Newport Bay watershed restoration project nets $2 million this year for Worcester’s Coastal Bay Program. — PAGE 3
Ocean City government going with ParkMobile app payment system, while allowing kiosks in inlet lot to wear out and expire. — PAGE 18
— PAGE 77
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(March 14, 2025) The Maryland Coastal Bays Program will receive at least $2 million in state funding in the coming fiscal year as part of a five-year grant toward restoration of the Newport Bay watershed, state environmental officials said.
But in light of the state’s dire budget shortfall and legislative recommendations to slash Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) funding, it’s an open question whether the Berlin-based nonprofit will ever see the other $14.8 million they requested in their Whole Watershed Fund grant proposal.
Kevin Smith, executive director of the Maryland Coastal Bays Program (MCBP), said he’s happy to have been selected for the funding, and will
meet with a state oversight team in the next few weeks to home in on proposed restoration projects. Those include stream restoration and stormwater management efforts in Berlin, as well as water quality monitoring and marsh restoration projects in Newport Bay.
Smith stressed the funding opportunity means being able to bolster the health of the coastal bays, where marsh habitat is degrading and transitioning to open water, and maintaining clean water for residents and tourists alike.
“I like to think that we all benefit economically. I think fish and wildlife benefit. As a community, having healthy ecosystems is one of those things that is really important. A lot of our resources over the years have degraded to a degree; Newport Bay is one of those areas where that’s happened. Hopefully, this is a really big step into turning that around. There’s no loser here,” Smith said.
When DNR started soliciting for grant proposals last summer, Smith and MCBP worked with officials in Worcester County and the Town of Berlin, as well as the Lower Shore
Land Trust and Assateague Coastal Trust, on a proposal.
He said their focus fell to Newport Bay for two reasons: it had been one of the worst-performing watersheds in terms of water quality, and because MCBP had already begun working on this watershed for the Town of Berlin. This grant, if approved, would supplement their work.
Their proposal sought $16.8 million in funding – a massive amount of money for an environmental grant.
“It’s the first time that I’m aware here in the coastal bays where we’ve been able to take a significant amount of money like this,” Smith said, “and really direct it toward one watershed that needs our help, to turn this decline around. And so, it’s a great opportunity. We’re really pleased that the folks at DNR accepted our proposal and are funding it.”
State lawmakers last year established the Whole Watershed Fund when they passed the Whole Watershed Act. The fund isn’t a single source of money, but is pooled from existing state environmental funds, according to DNR.
From nine applicants, DNR selected five program sponsors to receive funding: Catoctin Land Trust for Antietam Creek; South Baltimore Gateway Partnership for the Baltimore Harbor; MCBP for Newport Bay; Resilience Authority of Annapolis and Anne Arundel County for the Severn River; and ShoreRivers for the Upper Choptank River.
For grant recipients, half their award would be sourced by the state’s Whole Watershed Fund, with the rest matched by other state, local, and private sources, according to DNR.
Each of the winners will get five years of technical and financial assistance to design and implement conservation and pollution reduction projects. Program sponsors also must hold four public meetings a year and provide an opportunity for public comment on the preliminary design of each large-scale action proposed, DNR also said.
MCBP and the other four grant recipients will receive $2 million in fiscal year 2026, beginning July 1. However, funding for subsequent years is still a matter to be worked out, as the state’s oversight team selects projects to fund and works with recipients to secure leveraged funding, according to DNR spokesman Gregg Bortz. That team will hold six meetings a year with each watershed sponsor and participating local governments to review progress.
As the state continues to deal with what some estimate to be a more than $3 billion budget shortfall, Gov. Wes Moore’s fiscal 2026 budget proposed 25% cuts to environmental agencies
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City Council votes to amend FY25 spending plan
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 7, 2025) City officials last week agreed to advance several budget amendments to a first reading.
During the March 3 regular meeting, Budget Manager Jennie Knapp presented the Mayor and City Council with a series of changes to the fiscal year 2025 budget. The adjustments will impact revenues, expenses, enterprise funds and capital projects.
Within the enterprise accounts, for example, the water fund decreased by $87,000, the wastewater fund increased by $493,000, and the transportation fund increased by $385,000. While bus and tram funds were down, additional state and federal grants were available to offset the loss.
“Fortune was with us, and we got some additional federal and state grants for the buses,” Knapp explained. “We were able to offset some of the tram expenses with that as well.”
Enterprise accounts also encompass the golf course fund and convention center fund, which increased by $538,000. That increase, Knapp noted, was attributed to prior year
Continued from Page 3
– and from there, the state’s Department of Legislative Service took it further, recommending cuts be doubled and existing programs have their budgets zeroed out, according to Valerie Keefer, spokeswoman for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
For MCBP, when it comes to possible funding after the first year, “we have no information at this time on that,” Smith said in an email. “I’m taking an optimistic view. I know that the state budget issue may affect future years, but I also know that DNR and others are committed to the Whole Watershed initiative and that they will be working to identify funding for future years. They’re committed to making this work and so are we.”
For the Coastal Bay Program, winning the grant closes the door on what proved to be an uncomfortable part of the process – when Smith came before the Worcester County Board of Commissioners last November to ask for a letter of support.
Instead, Smith was scolded not only for Coastal Bays’ neutral position on wind energy, but for the organization’s acceptance of $125,000 in donations over a three-year period from US Wind, the developer planning to build a 114- turbine wind farm off the coast of Ocean City.
Smith countered that the donations from US Wind came over a three-year period with “no strings attached” and helped the Maryland Coastal Bays Program successfully fund habitat conservation for threatened bird species. He also said MCBP took up a neutral stance on the wind project because MCBP is not an advocacy organization.
However, by January, the County Commissioners showed a change of heart and promised to support the grant request with a letter of support. Smith also shared that his group’s position on wind hadn’t change, but they did change their internal rules so that any donation over $10,000 would need approval from the board of directors.
Smith said he’s pleased that the county found a way to work with Coastal Bays, adding their shared 25year history of collaboration.
“This just gives us an opportunity to do more, and really do it in a way that’s targeted and tightly focused on a particular watershed,” he said of the grant.
“There’s going to be opportunities that are going to allow now only the county and us, but also the Town of Berlin and other partners to really work together to achieve some really good things we can get accomplished over the next five years.”
Continued from Page 6
purchase orders, health care increases, hall rental and food and beverage revenues, and more.
“We were able to recognize $126,000 in hall rental and food and beverage revenue,” she said. “That allowed the town to continue what we’re calling the refresh project at the convention center and put another $94,000 into that, to increase the equipment maintenance by $17,500 and then to pay for the interior design services of the refresh project at $15,000. We also used $54,000 of prior year reserves in the convention center fund to purchase cafe tables, dining chairs and to repair the electronic marquee.”
Changes were also made to another enterprise account – the municipal airport fund. In addition to recognizing prior year purchase orders, interest earnings and airport purchases, Knapp said a roof repair project at the maintenance hangar was also adjusted. While the city budgeted $642,000 for the project, insurance proceeds totaled $392,000.
“We transferred $250,000 from the capital reserve fund to pay for the rest of that,” she said.
In total, the general fund budget increased by $2.9 million.
“This amendment always in-
creases and reduces revenue sources that have changed since the adopted budget,” Knapp explained, “as we’ve gotten a better idea of where those estimates are going, recognizes grant money that we’ve received, and it brings forward the funding for prior year purchase orders.”
‘This amendment always increases and reduces revenue sources that have changed since the adopted budget…’
Budget Manager Jennie Knapp
Knapp noted that the city increased its fund balance usage. While $2.3 million of that money was allocated to advertising and $557,000 was allocated to prior year purchase orders, she said the city recognized $600,000 in pension savings and a $260,000 adjustment in room tax.
“It’s also adjusting room tax,” Knapp said of the change. “After we got the July and August room tax, I had initially anticipated reducing that estimate by $560,000, and now I have adjusted that by reducing that estimate by $300,000.”
Revenue sources that have ex-
ceeded budget projections include prior year and additional grants, critical area project balances, interest on investments, the use of health savings reserve, and other miscellaneous categories. Revenue sources that fell short of budget projections include room tax, at $300,000, income tax, at $134,000, parking, at $236,000, and other miscellaneous categories.
“So the total reductions are about $689,000,” Knapp said.
Knapp also presented the various expenditures that came in both over and under the estimated budget.
She also highlighted changes to capital projects. Transfers to capital maintenance decreased by $250,000, maintenance at the Tarry-A-While building increased by nearly $115,000, and the 17th Street bulkhead repair project changed by $68,000.
“That was in the public works’ buildings and grounds account,” she told the council. “They know they’re not going to get to that project before June 30, so we have moved that money into the capital reserve fund so that project can be completed in FY26.”
With no further discussion, the council voted unanimously to advance the budget amendments to a first reading.
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(March 14, 2025) A Lower Shore state legislator is proposing that emergency shelter buildings be exempt from a state mandate requiring large public buildings to switch over from fossil fuels to electric power.
Del. Wayne Hartman raised concerns that, during a weather emergency or prolonged power outage, reliance on electric power instead of gas or oil power could be risky and problematic.
“It is imperative that any building used for public safety purposes designated as an emergency storm shelter (or) provides public utilities is capable of being resilient during an emergency,” he said during a March 5 bill hearing in Annapolis.
Hartman (D38C-Worcester) noted how thousands of people in North Carolina went without power for two weeks in October following Hurricane Helene, and how Hurricane Sandy in 2012 knocked out power for more than a week for some Marylanders.
“Think about some utility generating – water, sewage, that kind of stuff. They need to have the ability to go on in the event of a prolonged
weather event,” he said.
House Bill 1414 directly responds to the Climate Energy Solutions Now Act of 2022. It requires buildings over 35,000 square feet to comply with Building Energy Performance Standards (BEPS) by 2040, aiming for a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
This would require many of Worcester County’s largest buildings – including many government facilities, as well as Ocean City hotels and high-rise condos – to take their old boilers or furnaces offline and convert to electrical power.
Critics argue that retrofitting buildings to meet BEPS will be costly and time-consuming, and that the specialized equipment required to convert to electrical isn’t easily available off-the-shelf.
While the 2022 law exempts certain buildings – including certain historic properties, K-12 schools, manufacturing facilities, agriculture buildings, or federal properties – it does not offer exceptions for state of local government buildings.
Hartman’s bill would change that, proposing an exemption for public safety and public utility buildings, as
See BILL Page 14
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 14, 2025) In an effort to secure additional full-time police officers, a resort commission this week agreed to support a $15,000 signing bonus for lateral transfers.
On Monday, the Ocean City Police Commission agreed to send a favorable recommendation to the Mayor and City Council to implement a $15,000 signing bonus for police officers who transfer from another Maryland agency to the Ocean City Police Department. The bonus, they recommended, would be distributed over the first three years of employment.
“A signing bonus has always helped to get people in the door …,” Interim Chief Michael Colbert said. “Really, to compete, it’s got to be a fairly legitimate signing bonus.”
As part of an update on recruitment, Lt. Allen Hawk told commission members this week that the police department received eight applications for full-time positions in February, bringing the total number to 75 applications for the fiscal year. And, in March, the police department will be holding its next round of in-person testing for candidates.
However, command staff noted the department continues to fall short of the 125 police officers budgeted for the first six months of the year. While 111 officers are currently on the payroll, medical leave, suspensions, and academy training reduced that number to 104. The police department’s goal is to send six individuals to the police academy this July.
“We are budgeted for 125 [officers] for six months and 130 the second last six months,” City Manager Terry McGean said. “We know we’re not going to hit that, so we will use some of that money for overtime until that number increases.”
In addition to seeking new officers, Colbert said the department is also looking to hire laterals – or officers who transfer from other police departments. However, hiring tends to
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be complicated, he said, as those returning to law enforcement or transferring from another state would need additional training.
“There are places down in the Carolinas and Georgia, Pennsylvania too, where we can’t take laterals without going through the full academy,” he explained. “Then you lose that advantage.”
Council President Matt James, a commission member, questioned if the city should consider a signing bonus for Maryland laterals. McGean said staff could explore the incentive.
“If you want to offer it, we can hash out the details,” he said. “The first thing we did on laterals that we hadn’t done before was we are hiring them now up to a step nine, whereas before they were at a step three.”
After further discussion, the commission voted unanimously to establish a $15,000 signing bonus, distributed over three years, for officers who transfer from another agency in Maryland.
“We’ll recommend it to the council,” Council Secretary Tony DeLuca, commission member, said.
As part of the department’s recruitment update, Hawk also presented commission members with a report on seasonal hiring. To date, the city has filled 30 of the 70 public safety officer positions budgeted for this summer.
“We feel we’re really close to where we were last year,” Colbert said. “Keep in mind these numbers go up and cascade as we get closer and closer [to summer].”
Continued from Page 13
well as public buildings that have been designated as storm shelters in case of emergency.
This would mean buildings like Ocean City’s convention center and 65th Street public safety headquarters would not be required to fully electrify.
Hartman also pointed out that some of these facilities already have infrastructure capable of producing their own heat and power during outages. He argued that keeping this equipment operational beyond the BEPS deadline could prove a costsaving measure for public safety facilities.
Hartman’s bill was cross filed with Senate Bill 470, sponsored by Sen. Jason Gallion (D35-Harford), which was heard Feb. 27 in a committee hearing. The Senate bill is also cosponsored by Sen. Mary Beth Carozza (D38-Worcester).
Ocean City will continue its partnership with company for food composting project
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 14, 2025) Ocean City officials this week agreed to extend an agreement with a local composting group.
On Tuesday, the City Council voted unanimously to extend the city’s agreement with Ocean Compost LLC for another year. Ocean Compost, led by The Hobbit Restaurant owner Garvey Heiderman, is compensated for diverting food waste from the city’s waste stream.
“We have no problem with it on our end,” Solid Waste Manager Brian Scarborough said.
Over a decade ago, Ocean City pivoted from a traditional curbside recycling program to a waste-to-energy operation.
Trash collected in Ocean City is transported to the Reworld (formerly Covanta) plant in Pennsylvania,
where it is incinerated and converted to energy. The town then pays the company per ton to incinerate waste collected and convert it into renewable energy.
In 2021, however, Heiderman pitched an idea to the mayor and council to remove food waste from the city’s waste stream and compost it.
As part of the agreement, Ocean Compost collects food waste from participating resort restaurants, weighs it at the city’s public works complex and hauls it to the company’s composting site in Bishopville. Ocean City then compensates Ocean Compost for each ton it diverts from the resort’s waste stream.
“This per ton compensation is not ‘in addition’ to payments made to Reworld …,” a staff report reads. “It is compensation to Ocean Compost in lieu of identical per ton payments to Reworld.”
With no further discussion this week, the council voted 7-0 to extend its agreement with Ocean Compost another year.
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 14, 2025) A group of Ocean City residents and owners of short-term rental properties in the resort is hoping to bring city government’s new lengthof-stay restrictions to a referendum.
Last week, following the council’s vote to ban short-term rentals in the R1 residential and MH mobile home districts by 2027, Ocean City resident and Realtor Terry Miller submitted a petition for referendum, which was accepted by the city solicitor on Monday.
Now, Miller and her supporters will have 40 days to collect nearly 1,000 signatures to bring the ordinance to a vote by the city’s electorate.
“I don’t think the majority of residents support this,” she said of the new restrictions in an interview this week. “It is taking away our property rights.”
On March 3, the Ocean City Council voted 4-3, with Councilmembers John Gehrig, Jake Mitrecic and Carol Proctor opposed, to set a five-night minimum stay for short-term rentals located in R-1 and MH districts for the 2025 and 2026 rental seasons, and a 31-night minimum stay beginning in 2027.
As the city code defines short-term rentals as 30 days or less, the ordinance approved last week would ban vacation rentals in those districts in two years.
Now, the group organized by Miller
is requesting that the ordinance be brought before the city’s registered voters. Miller argued the ordinance not only violated property owners’ rights, but did little to solve the problems that exist with vacation rentals.
“I understand there are pockets of problems. People should be able to live in their home and be comfortable. But this is not going to accomplish their goal,” she said. “In life, I like to be involved in transactions where it’s a winwin-win, and this is a lose-lose-lose. Nobody is winning with what they have created. The property owners that rent are losing, the property owners that live there, they’re not guaranteeing they will have a great neighbor, the visitors that come and vacation here are losing, and the town is losing.”
Miller, a full-time resident of Little Salisbury, said the new ordinance would affect her ability to rent her home in future years. She said renting her property would help cover some of her expenses.
“As the costs keep going up – taxes, insurance, electric – this may be a mechanism for some of these people in Montego Bay and Little Salisbury to keep their home,” she said of vacation rentals. “I could rent my house for two weeks in the summer and pay all my property taxes, all my insurance, and part of my electric bill.”
Mallard Island residents Joe and Brittani Phillips said they currently rent out their residence for four months of the year, just so they could stay there for the remaining eight. Their Teal Drive property – Joe’s childhood home – is located next to the home of his mother and father, who is handicapped.
“It’s just absolutely heartbreaking to think I would not be there to help take care of him,” Joe said. “Then I lose the help that my mom and dad give to us and our kids. I’m choked up even talking about it. It’s emotional.”
Miller said Joe and Brittani’s story is one shared by several property owners, who rent their homes to vacationers to pay the bills, or to one day reside in Ocean City fulltime. Brittani noted the new ordinance would push many young homeowners, like her family, off the island.
“We put so much time, money, effort, blood, sweat and tears into this house,” she said. “We got married in the backyard. And to think about not being able to live there, and for it to be our home forever, it’s really, really tough.”
Joe agreed. While he said the council had passed an ordinance in an attempt to protect the integrity of residential neighborhoods, he argued it would have the opposite effect.
“That is just like a stab in the heart, because I feel like we’re exactly what I
think people want in that neighborhood,” he said. “We’re a young family, we have two great kids, mom and dad right next door. I think we’re exactly what they want, and unfortunately with this happening, we’re not going to be able to continue.”
Virginia resident Linda Tucker said she had purchased her family’s Montego Bay home in 2019, all with a goal of retiring to the resort. She said she rented out her property to replace the roof, the flooring, and the air conditioning.
“It’s not like I’m some big investor trying to make money,” she said.
Tucker argued that the ordinance could also exacerbate some of the shortterm rental issues cited by residents and city officials.
“If I dare to rent it for 31 days, I think that would be the big problem, because of the type of people,” she said. “You can turn it into subsidized housing and are guaranteed a check from the federal government. Those would be worse.”
However, supporters of the ordinance say short-term rentals should be banned from single-family neighborhoods, arguing that such an operation contradicts the city’s code and comprehensive plan. Caine Woods resident Dennis Dare, a former councilman and city manager, applauded the City Council’s actions.
See LOCALS Page 18
Continued from Page 16
“I feel that the mayor and council enacted this ordinance to protect the single-family neighborhoods, to protect the people. And the out-of-town investors and a few Realtors that are interested in a fiscal impact to themselves, they’re not looking out for the residents of Ocean City. They are looking out for themselves,” he said. “It is for the mayor and council to look out for the town as a whole, and they did that in this case.”
“It is clear that most of these rentals are business, some of which are owned by LLCs,” Savage said this week. “They disrupt the quality of life of our current residents and displace others that wish to become residents that actually live in Ocean City.”
While acknowledging the ordinance would affect many people, Yates said the council is tasked with adhering to the city’s code and comprehensive plan.
of voters in the most recent election. As 2,476 people voted in the last election, a petition with 991 valid signatures must be submitted by April 21 to bring the ordinance to referendum.
Miller said information can also be found on the group’s Facebook page, OCMD Property Rights. The group will also canvas neighborhoods, organize petition drives, and hold a rally, scheduled to take place during Ocean City’s annual St. Patrick’s Parade.
Councilman Will Savage, who made the motion to enact the new length-ofstay restrictions on vacation rentals, and Councilman Larry Yates, who advocated for MH communities to be included in the ordinance, maintained the ordinance passed by the council majority protected the integrity of Ocean City’s residential neighborhoods.
“This proposal, process, and ordinance was well thought out,” he said. “It was not an easy decision. We hope this ordinance will benefit the entire city. We want to ensure we provide and maintain a safe and enjoyable city free of nuisance and problem properties.”
On March 10, City Solicitor Heather Stansbury accepted Miller’s petition, kicking off a 40-day countdown to collect signatures from 40% of the number
“We’re going to work as hard as we can. We are going to give it our all,” Miller said. “We want this movement to be positive, we don’t want to attack anybody.”
Should the petition fail, Miller said property owners are exploring legal options.
“Everything is on the table. Litigation would be the next move, and trying to change the face of the council if we had to,” she said. “I don’t believe any of us that are here are going to give up this fight. I think we are all in it for the long haul. It is a taking of our rights, and we’re going to try and defend them and claw them back.”
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
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(March 14, 2025) With parking kiosks now removed throughout town, Ocean City officials are reminding residents and visitors of the city’s new meterless system.
During Tuesday’s meeting of the Ocean City Transportation Committee, Parking Manager Jon Anthony reported on the parking department’s efforts to move to a meterless paid parking system.
He noted that kiosks have now been removed from all locations outside the inlet parking lot, and that signs are being created to inform community members of a new mobile payment method through the ParkMobile app.
“The kiosks are gone,” he said. “The next steps are to install the signs themselves and do public outreach”
In December, the City Council voted unanimously to do away with parking kiosks ahead of the summer season, but to gradually phase out the kiosks at the inlet parking lot by 2026. Rather than replace the aging kiosks – which came with a price tag of roughly $1 million –officials opted to move toward a mobile payment system.
“A bulk of our complaints come from the Inlet lot …,” City Manager Terry McGean said at the time. “Maybe we phase it in but leave kiosks at the Inlet lot … That’s our highest turnover.”
Anthony also told committee
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 14, 2025) While acknowledging some outliers, Ocean City’s acting police chief reports that overall police activity decline last month.
On Monday, Interim Chief Michael Colbert presented the Ocean City Police Commission with an update on police activity for February. While total calls for service declined from previous years, he noted that some calls, including motorist assists, domestic assault and assaults that had already occurred, had increased.
“In general, very little change,” he said. “Most of the categories are down. The few that are up, are up slightly to the point it is of very little significance.”
In February, the police department recorded 2,512 total calls for service, a 9% decline from February 2024 and a 12% decline from February 2023.
In the top 25 calls for service, traffic stops decreased from 612 in February of 2024 to 590 in February of 2025, while assisting fire/EMS decreased from 124 to 116, and assisting motorists increased from 110 to 133.
“That’s the weather,” he explained. “There were slightly more cars stuck.”
Overall, most service call categories
declined when compared to February of 2024, Colbert said. However, assaults that already occurred increased from two to five, and domestic assaults increased from 13 to 15.
“Wintertime, you generally see that go up some …,” he said. “For Ocean City itself, this number is not big. We don’t see a trend of it getting worse.”
Under December enforcement, custodial arrests decreased from 62 to 60, while criminal citations decreased from one to zero. Drug arrests increased from three to seven, weapons arrests decreased from six to two, and DUI arrests increased from 17 to 18.
“That’s really officer driven,” Colbert said. “When that number goes up, it shows our guys are really being aggressive.”
While February activity was down, officials noted they are preparing for things to change in the coming weeks, starting with the St. Patrick’s parade on Saturday. Colbert said his department will be staffed for the day’s festivities.
“We’ve got plenty of people,” he said. “This time of year we’ve got the number of people we need for these kinds of events without seasonal help.”
(March 14, 2025) The Town of Ocean City is gearing up for an exciting St. Patrick’s Day celebration featuring the much-anticipated annual parade and festival.
As residents and visitors enjoy the festivities, the Ocean City Police Department (OCPD), in partnership with allied agencies, will participate in the “Maryland Border to Border St. Patrick’s Day Impaired Driving Crackdown” to ensure safety on roadways. Each year, the OCPD receives grant funding for enhanced impaired driving enforcement. From March 13 through March 17, officers will conduct 24 hours of specialized patrols targeting alcoholand drug-impaired drivers. This enforcement effort coincides with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade weekend and the holiday itself.
In 2024, OCPD officers made five DUI arrests during the same period. This year, residents and visitors can expect an increased police presence, with officers dedicated to keeping our roads safe.
If you plan to celebrate, plan for a safe ride home. The Ocean City Beach
Bus offers a $4 Ride-All-Day pass, allowing unlimited rides from 6 a.m. to 1 a.m. Buses run approximately every 30 minutes, making traveling safely between downtown, midtown, and uptown locations easy. Taxis and rideshare services are also readily available for those seeking direct transportation.
The Ocean City St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off at noon on Saturday, March 15. Spectators are encouraged to arrive before 10:30 a.m. to avoid traffic delays. Alternate traffic patterns will be in effect from 63rd Street to 41st Street to accommodate parade participants. There is no rain date for the parade or festival.
For parade information, visit www.delmarvairish.org or contact Buck Mann at 410-289-6156.
The Ocean City Police Department remains committed to public safety and urges residents and visitors to report suspicious activity. Citizens are encouraged to call the tip line at 410-520-5136, email crimetips@oceancitymd.gov, or contact the Police Department at 410723-6610.
Continued from Page 18
bers on Tuesday efforts are underway to install the signs that will advise visitors of the new payment method.
“The signs are important,” he said. “We put a lot of effort into that because they have to be visible, people have to see them and know they need to pay.”
Officials also highlighted upcoming public outreach efforts, including news releases and social media posts. Mayor Rick Meehan said it was important to encourage visitors to download the ParkMobile app before traveling to Ocean City.
“A real push should be to get people to sign up before they come,” he said. “Sign up, save time, and enjoy your vacation.”
The new meterless payment system
will begin April 1, according to a news release from the Town of Ocean City. Motorists parking in Ocean City are encouraged to download the free ParkMobile app and to register their vehicle and payment information prior to their visit.
“The more people you can get to fill that out before they get here, the more efficient it will be,” Meehan said this week. “It takes time, and it can cause frustration.
Once in a parking area, visitors can locate a ParkMobile sign, enter the zone number into the app, select the amount of time, and confirm payment. Additional information on the ParkMobile system can be found on the city’s website, oceancitymd.gov/oc/ocean-cityparking/.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(March 13, 2025) Community advocates are hoping to gather petition support against the Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham planned for Berlin, arguing the structure’s placement on the east side of Route 113 near Franklin Avenue is a safety hazard.
The hotel, a planned four-story, 78unit Microtel Inn and Suites, is to be built in front of the early learning center Bundles of Joy University and the Healing Arts Center of the Eastern Shore, a spot that opponents argue could create child safety risks, increase crime, exacerbate parking and traffic problems, lead to noise disruptions, and generate public health issues.
“Our primary concern is the safety, well-being and optimal learning environment for the young children who
attend Bundles of Joy University and the individuals who attend the Healing Arts Center of the Eastern Shore,” reads a change.org petition Bundles of Joy Preschool Center Director Megan Smith started last week.
The online petition as of Wednesday morning had 330 signatures.
The petition argues motels bring “transient populations” to an area through their construction. The increase of these “unfamiliar individuals” could create security risks for the children and staff at Bundles of Joy University.
The petition cites the structure’s size, along with a rise in vehicle activity from Microtel staff, guests and deliveries, may also lead to car congestion, making it difficult for the families of the learning center’s students during pick-up and drop-off times. Critics of the Microtel claim motels are often linked to ille-
gal activities like human trafficking and drug use.
“The proximity of such activity to a preschool is an unacceptable risk to our students,” the petition says. “Parents may feel uncomfortable sending their children to a preschool located directly behind a motel due to the … safety concerns, which could result in a decline in enrollment and affect Bundle of Joy University’s ability to operate successfully as it has for over the past 26 years,” the petition says.
The request formally asks officials to reconsider the placement of the proposed Microtel. Should construction move forward, it could set the precedent for future nonchild-friendly commercial development in the area. The opponents maintain it could ultimately risk changing the character of the neighborhood.
Smith said she started the petition
as a way to foster support for her mission.
“I started the petition to give the voiceless a voice and advocate for the ones who need it the most, which is the students at my center,” she said. “I had been going back and forth with ideas of how to make our voices heard, and when they put up an updated sign last week advertising for the hotel, it was time. In less than two hours, I had over 100 signatures.”
The potential for dangerous individuals so close to two facilities that serve juveniles, Smith said, is worrisome.
“My job is to ensure the safety and well-being of every child in my center,” Smith noted. “How am I supposed to do that with the potential of unknown threats this hotel will pose? What if a sex offender checks into the hotel? They have to be certain feet from a school at all times, and there is a school in front and a preschool behind.”
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Since its proposal last March, the development has been the subject of ample controversy. While town leaders admit that Berlin needs a new hotel for travelers and the current zoning allows the project, residents and officials expressed concerns with the proposed location and the structure’s aesthetics.
At a meeting last March, where the proposal was initially presented, attendees struggled to accept the project presented to the planning commission. Councilwoman Shaneka Nichols, who said she lived close to the suggested structure, said at a commission meeting, “I just don’t think that location is a safe spot.”
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Others worried sex traffickers and predators could make up a portion of the hotel’s guests. Chrissy Ehrhart, a Berlin resident who also operates Zenna Wellness near the proposed location, argued the potential 28-day stays permitted at the hotel could create a path for these types of unsafe situations.
Project representatives maintained training and room checks would be completed often to ensure illicit or dangerous activities were not occurring.
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The hotel’s exterior look was also heavily questioned during meetings last year. Berlin planning officials repeatedly criticized the drawings, arguing that the proposals were too standard and did not match the historical aesthetic of the community’s downtown. However, in October after aesthetic changes, the Berlin Planning Commission and the Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham developers reached an agreement. More adjustments were made following the fall meeting, and with modifications, the elevations were approved by the municipality’s advisory group at a later gathering on Nov. 13.
Still, some residents seek to halt the development. Smith maintained, “Overall, I'm not opposed to a hotel. I'm opposed to putting any of my students and their families' safety at risk, which is what will happen if this hotel gets built in that location.”
(March 14, 2025) Ocean City will be aglow in green this weekend as the St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival, sponsored by the Delmarva Irish American Club, returns Saturday, March 15.
The event, which began in 1980, has grown to become the largest St. Patrick’s parade in Maryland and is the seasonal kick-off for many local businesses. Over the years, the DIAC — a 501(c)(3) social organization — has donated more than $590,000 from parade proceeds to scholarships for local high school students and to other charities and organizations. The DIAC is especially proud to have made a $50,000 donation to the Macky and Pam Stansell House at Coastal Hospice.
Pipe and drum bands will bring the sounds of Ireland to the streets of Ocean City, along with high school marching bands and festively decorated floats sponsored by local businesses, groups and organizations. Leading the parade will be John Fager as this year’s grand marshal. John has been one of the DIAC’s biggest supporters from its beginnings, and Fager’s Island Restaurant and Nightclub has been a parade sponsor for more than 30 years. John has played a significant role in the event’s success.
The procession begins at noon on
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Trophies will be awarded for best marching band, best commercial float, best non-commercial float, best motorized unit, best adult marching unit,
best youth marching unit, special committee award, judges’ choice award and best overall entry in the parade.
In addition to the celebration on the parade route, the 45th Street Shopping Center will be transformed into a spirited Irish festival complete with live music from the Pat O’Brennan Trio, along with Irish dancers, Irish apparel, baskets of cheer, souvenirs and a variety of food and beer. Spectators can enjoy the free-admission festival beginning at 11 a.m. and running until 3 p.m.
To avoid traffic delays, spectators are urged to arrive before 10:30 a.m. and to view the parade from 57th Street south to 45th Street.
Mike Bradley will serve as parade emcee on the judges’ stand. The parade will be live-streamed by UnScene Productions and hosted by Bill Baker and Melanie Pursel; details of the stream will be shared on the DIAC Facebook page.
The DIAC was founded in 1980, and its first membership drive resulted in 75 members. Today, there are close to 300 members. The club is open to anyone who is Irish, of Irish descent or just likes things Irish.
There is no rain date for the parade or festival. For more information, visit http://www.delmarvairish.org or contact Buck Mann at 410-289-6156.
John Fager of Fager’s Island fame
was born in Baltimore in the year of who knows when. Ocean City was the highlight of his family’s adventures. They left home in the pitch dark and took the ferry across the Chesapeake Bay to the Eastern Shore and drove home the same day with wet bathing suits tied to the rearview mirrors. John worked every summer here from the age of 16 through college — telescope pictures, beach stands, bus boy at Phillips Crab House.
In the mid-1960s, John Fager and his best friend Maynard opened the Purple Moose Saloon on the boardwalk. It was a big hit and the rest is history. Fager has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Greater Ocean City Chamber of Commerce and the Restaurateur of the Year award and Lifetime Achievement Award from the Restaurant Association of Maryland.
Fager and his wife Michelle met in Ocean City and have celebrated 27 years together. They serve and contribute to such great causes as the Atlantic General Hospital, Worcester Prep, Rackliffe House Restoration Trust, Ocean City Life-Saving Station Museum, Seaside Christian Academy and Worcester County Humane Society.
“What an honor to be invited to be the grand marshal at Ocean City’s biggest event of the year,” Fager said. “My gratitude to all who make that happen.”
“Ocean City Chronicles” is the final book in Bunk Mann’s 3 volume historical series which began with “Vanishing Ocean City’ in 2014 and continued with ‘Ghosts In The Surf” in 2019. Centered around his articles in Ocean city’s award-winnning newspaper the Maryland Coast Dispatch , his latest book features 285 of the most popular ones over the past 12 years. It includes hundreds of photos of long vanished hotels & restaurants, the great storms & fires, deep sea fishing, boardwalk attractions & amusements, and stories of the people who turned a small 19th-century fishing village into a modern, year-round destination. “Ocean City Chronicles” is a comprehensive history of Maryland’s famous oceanfront resort in a hardbound coffee table book featuring cover art by noted artist, Paul McGehee. Supplies are limited so order your copy today!
Ocean City Chronicles can be ordered online at vanishingoc.com. Visit the website for further information and photos.
“Ocean City Chronicles” will be available at select location in Ocean City, Berlin, Ocean Pines and online. If you liked “Vanishing Ocean City,” & Ghosts In The Surf’ then you will love Bunk Mann’s third book of photos and OC history.
OC Lifesaving Museum
Fager’s Island
Donaway Furniture
Mann Properties
Malibu’s Surf Shop
OC Art League
Caprichos Books
Kitty’s Flowers
Seacrets
Crabs To Go
Wockenfuss Candies
Berlin Auto Wash
Toy Town
The Buzzed Word
OC Chamber Of Commerce
M.R. Ducks
Victorian Charm
Park Place Jewelers
Copy Central
Framing Corner
Ocean Gallery
Mann & Gray Insurance
Shrimp Boat
Atlantic Beverage Center
Skipjack Heritage Museum, Chance, MD
BUXY’S SALTY DOG & DRY DOCK 28
410-289-BUXY
28th Street Coastal Hwy.
Friday, March 14:
Full Circle
Saturday, March 15: Aaron Howell & DJ BK
CAPTAIN’S TABLE
410-289-7192
15th & Boardwalk
In The Courtyard Marriott
Friday & Saturday, March 14 & 15: Phil Perdue
COINS PUB
410-289-3100
28th Street Plaza
On Coastal Hwy.
Friday, March 14:
The Rockoholics
Saturday, March 15:
First Class & DJ Giddy Up
Monday, March 17: DJ Wax
CRABCAKE
FACTORY BAYSIDE
302-988-5000
37314 Lighthouse Rd., Rte. 54, Selbyville, DE
Friday, March 14:
True Country
Sunday, March 16:
Union Road
Wednesday, March 19: Dawn Williams
CRAWL STREET TAVERN
443-373-2756
Wicomico St., Downtown O.C.
Friday, March 14: Rogue Citizens
Saturday, March 15: TBA
FAGER’S ISLAND
410-524-5500
60th St., In The Bay
Friday, March 14:
Decade 80, Radio Hero & DJ RobCee
Saturday, March 15: Bad W/ Names, DeadEye Stare & DJ Vybe
Monday, March 17: Cecilia’s Fall
GREENE TURTLE WEST
410-213-1500
Route 611, West OC
Saturday, March 15:
Rogue Citizens
Monday, March 17: DJ Hook
Every Wednesday: Bingo w/ Blake
FIRST CLASS
Coins Pub: Saturday, March 15
TRUE COUNTRY
Crabcake Factory Bayside: Friday, March 14
OPPOSITE DIRECTIONS
Harborside: Sunday, March 16
THE ROCKOHOLICS
Coins Pub: Friday, March 14
HARBORSIDE
410-213-1846
South Harbor Rd., West End O.C.
Fridays: DJ Billy T
Saturday, March 15:
DJ Billy T & DJ Bigler
Sundays: Opposite Directions
Thursdays: Dust N Bones
PICKLES PUB
410-289-4891
8th St. & Philadelphia Ave.
Fridays: Beats By DeoGee
Saturday, March 15:
Beats By Styler, Beats By Casper & Beats By Rampage
Sundays: Beats By Styler
Monday, March 17:
Higher Education & Wood
Tuesdays: Beats By Wax
Wednesdays:
Beats By Madame Dutchess
Thursdays:
Beats By Connair
PURPLE MOOSE
SALOON
410-289-6953
Between Caroline & Talbot Sts. On The Boards
Friday & Saturday, March 14 & 15:
DJ Madame Dutchess & Lithium & Candy
Sunday, March 16: Sonic OCM
SEACRETS
410-524-4900
49th St. & Coastal Hwy.
Friday, March 14:
KT Duo, Porch The Band, DJ Davie & John Byrne
Saturday, March 15:
DJ Connair, Jilligan Band, DJ C-Miller, John McNutt Band, DJ Davie, The Benderz, John Byrne, Late Last Night, My Hero Zero, DJ Cruz, DJ Bobby O, DJ E-State & Stealing Savanah
Sunday, March 16:
Late Last Night & DJ Flight
Monday, March 17:
Dear Zoe
Thursday, March 20:
Full Circle Duo & DJ E-State
■ PRICE RANGE: $, $$, $$$
■ RESERVATIONS: Reservations accepted
South end to 28th Street
■ BUXY’S SALTY DOG SALOON
DRY DOCK 28
28th Street, Ocean City, 410-289-0973, buxys.com, drydockoc.com
Destiny has a new home in Ocean City. From the ‘burgh to the beach, Buxy’s is your home away from Pittsburgh. Come see what all the locals already know and have known – Buxy’s is the place to come to meet friends, relax and be social with no attitudes. House specialties include “The” Cheesesteak Sub, Primanti-styled sandwiches, pierogis, egg-rolls and homemade crab dip. Dry Dock also features a full menu with soups, salads, kick starters, pierogis and craft pizza.
■ CAPTAIN’S TABLE
15th Street and Baltimore Avenue, in The Courtyard by Marriott, Ocean City 410-289-7192, captainstableoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A local tradition for over 60 years featuring hand cut steaks, premium lobster and perfectly prepared regional seafood. Breakfast daily 7:30-11 a.m.
Open daily for dinner: Sunday through Thursday, 49 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 4-10 p.m. Happy Hour, seven days a week, 4-6 p.m.
■ COINS PUB & RESTAURANT
28th Street Plaza and Coastal Highway, Ocean City 410-289-3100, www.coinspuboc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
American style local restaurant serving seafood, steaks and chefs specials. Check out the off season weekday specials. Early bird; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. Sunday’s early bird specials, all day and all night. Happy Hour; daily, 2-5:30 p.m. with food and drink specials. Closed Monday. Open Tuesday through Friday, 2 p.m. and Saturday through Sunday, 11:30 a.m. Dine-in, carry out.
■ CORAL REEF RESTAURANT & BAR
17th Street in the Holiday Inn & Suites, Ocean City 410-289-2612, coralreefrestaurant.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Enjoy traditional Eastern Shore cuisine and local favorites that are sure to please your entire party! Choose from a selection of house specialty entrees such as sharables, handhelds and seafood. Serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Featuring specialty rums. Open daily, 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
■ CRAWL STREET
19 Wicomico St., Ocean City, 443-373-2756, crawlstreet.com
Established in 2020 just a short walk from the legendary Cork Bar. Don’t leave without trying the famous wings, but everything on the menu is solid, including flatbreads, tacos, salads, sandwiches and seafood platters. Be sure to check out the live music offerings as the nightlife is top of the line.
■ DISTRICT 24 CRAFT BAR & JAY’S CAFÉ 2305 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City 410-2893322, district24oc.com
Breakfast, coffee, pastries, beer, pizza and cocktails. Jay’s Café opens Friday through Sunday from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Craft Bar opens Friday through Sunday from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. There’s more at District 24.
■ HARBOR WATCH
806 S. Atlantic Avenue, Ocean City 410-2895121, www.harborwatchrestaurant.com
$$-$$$ | Reservations | Kids’ Menu | Full bar
Celebrating our 40th anniversary with fresh seafood, an award-winning raw bar, mouthwatering steaks and the best view of the Ocean City Inlet and Assateague Island. Open all March, Thursday through Sunday; Happy Hour: Thursday and Sunday, all night long featuring $4 all beer, $8 crushes, $10 select apps, $6 glass of select wine. Call for banquet and large-party details.
■ PICKLES PUB
706 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 410-289-4891, picklesoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Easy to find with plenty of free parking, serving lunch, dinner and entire diverse menu until 1 a.m. Also nightly entertainment year-round and a great place to watch all the sports on an ocean of televisions including a giant high-def screen. Also four pool tables on site. Lunch and dinner and entire menu until 1 a.m. Open all year from 11:30 a.m.-2
a.m., seven days a week.
■ PIT & PUB
2706 Philadelphia Ave. and 12701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, pitandpub.com
Ocean City’s home of Pulled Pork and the finest barbecue, the legendary 28th Street Pit & Pub and the Northside Pit & Pub are known for serving up delicious smokehouse specialties. Grab a brew and enjoy the live sports action on one of the big screen TVs. Happy hour daily. Family-friendly atmospheres at both locations. Weekend entertainment.
29th to 90th streets
■ 32 PALM
32nd Street in The Hilton, Ocean City 410-2892525, 32palm.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Elevated cuisine, locally sourced ingredients and allocated spirits are prominently featured in our lounge and dining room. Open year-round for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Routinely updated menus with the highest quality local ingredients for fresh seafood any time of the year!
■ THE BONFIRE
71st Street, Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, 410-5247171, thebonfirerestaurant.com
Celebrating 50 years as the best seafood and prime rib buffet in Ocean City. It’s all here – the service, the atmosphere and finest, freshest seafood available and quality meats. Save room for the decadent desserts available as well including homemade donuts.
■ FAGERS ISLAND
201 60th St., Ocean City, 410-524-5500, fagers.com
$$ | Full bar
Dine on the island with an award-winning bayfront restaurant featuring American & Regional dining with a global influence and popular destination featuring impeccably prepared American and Pacific Rim cuisine. Also enjoy our outdoor decks and bar with live entertainment and 32 wines by the glass. A place where the joy of food & the presence of the table are of utmost importance. Dine on fresh seafood and our famous Prime Rib. Enjoy beautiful sunsets over the water. Open 11 a.m. daily. Fine dine at 4:30 p.m.
■ HOOKED
8003 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-7234665, hookedoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
A Common Ground Hospitality concept, a passion driven restaurant group servicing the coastal community. The goal is honor creativity and innovation by design. With passion at the heart of everything, unique dining concepts are paired with honest hospitality and well-made food sourced with fresh local ingredients and seasonal harvests. Craft and full bar available. Open daily 11:30 a.m.
■ LONGBOARD CAFÉ
6701 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 443-6645693, longboardcafe.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Casual Dining … Refined. Open for lunch and dinner. A wide range of gourmet burgers, innovative tacos, salads and sandwiches to full dinner entrees featuring fresh local fish prepared in a variety of styles, beef, shellfish and pasta. All our sauces, salsas, dressings, etc. are meticulously house made. We use fresh local sources wherever possible and premium ingredients such as our chuck, brisket and short rib custom blended burgers. Closed Tuesday. Call for reservations.
■ MARLIN MOON RESTAURANT
3301 Atlantic Ave., in the Double Tree Hotel, Ocean City 410-289-1201, marlinmoonocmd.com
$$ | Full bar
Winner of the Maryland People's choice award, Marlin Moon continues to offer its famous, locally loved dishes and famous happy hour. Enjoy creatively crafted cocktails, fresh selections from the raw bar and luscious desserts. Happy Hour, every day, 3-6 p.m., featuring drink specials. Breakfast, 7:30-11:30 a.m.; Lite Fare, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Dinner, 4-10 p.m.; and Bar open noon to 11 p.m.
■ SEACRETS
49th Street, Ocean City 410-524-4900, www.seacrets.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Open Sunday through Friday at 11 a.m., 10 a.m. on Saturdays, close at 2 a.m. Enjoy a tropical atmosphere and dine under the palms in our outdoor, kid
friendly dining area or try a Seacrets Beachin' Cocktails in the Bay with live music every day open to close. The club is open every night in the summer. Try our famous jerk chicken with homemade honey mustard sauce, Pushcart Trio, a true Jamaican dish or a hearty wrap, sandwich or delicious burger. We have it all at Seacrets.
91st to 146th streets
■ ALBERTINO'S BRICK OVEN & EATERY
13117 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 410-2502000, albertinosoc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring the best brick oven pizza, always handmade with fresh ingredients, Italian-American mouth-watering seafood specialties, traditional Italian pasta dishes, apps, soups and salads. Full bar with large local craft beer selection.
■ CAROUSEL OCEANFRONT HOTEL & CONDOS
118th Street, Ocean City 800-641-0011, www.carouselhotel.com
The Carousel Oceanfront Resort offers a family friendly casual dining experience with their Reef 118 restaurant. Offering dinner Thursday through Saturday from 5-9 p.m., featuring AYCE Crab legs. Serving breakfast on Fridays and Saturdays from 8 a.m. Their new "Go for 2" happy hour features $10 appetizers as a buy one get one free. $1 oysters during all open hours.
■ THE CRAB BAG
13005 Coastal Highway Ocean City, 410-2503337, thecrabbag.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Featuring consistent hot steamed crabs, eat in or carryout. The Crab Bag is also an Eastern Shore style seafood house specializing in preparing and serving the biggest and the best blue crabs available. The extensive menu promises something for everyone. Winter hours, Friday-Sunday, open 11 a.m.
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY USA
120th Street, oceanside, Ocean City, 410-2504900, crabcakefactoryusa.com
Full-service family restaurant, carry-out and sports bar. Outside seating available. Menu selections include prime rib, chicken Chesapeake, steamed shrimp, beer battered fish, real Philly cheesesteaks, burgers, and a kids menu. Casual attire, full liquor bar, no reservations. Open Year Round. World-Famous Crabcakes are served all day starting at 8 a.m. and can be packed on ice for you while you are eating breakfast.
■ NORI SUSHI BAR & GRILL
11403 Coastal Highway, Gold Coast Mall next to Sophia’s, Ocean City 443-880-6258, norioc.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Voted Ocean City's best sushi, offering a full-service bar, fresh sushi bar, seafood entrees, fried rice, vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free sushi and more. Open year-round, every day from 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
■ SOPHIA'S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
11405 Coastal Highway, Gold Coast Mall, Ocean City 410-723-5188, www.sophiasitalianrestaurantoceancity.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Full service offering entrees, pizza, subs, apps and salads. Expand your horizons with delicious options like sandwiches, calzones, and more. Try the cheese and tomato pizza and see why it's such a local favorite. Call us to order takeout or catering. Monday through Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday, noon to 9 p.m.
■ VISTA ROOFTOP RESTAURANT
13801 Coastal Highway, located in the Fenwick Inn, Ocean City, 410-390-7905, vistarooftopoc.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
Enjoy a wonderful meal overlooking the ocean and bay. Some of the most unique views in Ocean City. Steaks, seafood, burgers, soups, salads and lite fare. Happy hour, 3-6 p.m. New this year is a boozy brunch Saturdays and Sundays, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Live music.
■ CRABCAKE FACTORY BAYSIDE
Route 54, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-988-5000, CCFBayside.com
Same award-winning crab cakes and bloody marys. Enjoy waterfront dining. Full-service family restaurant, carry-out & sports bar. Outside seating available. Open daily year-round. Menu selections include crab cakes, prime rib, Philly-style cheese steaks, various seafood, kids menu plus full breakfast menu.
■ DIRTY HARRY’S
100 Coastal Highway, Fenwick Island, DE, 302539-3020, Beach-net.com/dirtyharrys
$ | Kids’ Menu | Full bar
Don’t let the name fool you, the food is home cooking at its finest. Owned and operated by Ginny Swann and family for 19 years. Popular for the breakfast but getting rave reviews for lunch and dinner, too.
■ NANTUCKETS
Route 1, Fenwick Island, DE, 302-539-2607, nantucketsrestaurant.com
Serving the beach great food and spirits for over 30 years. David and Janet Twining will wow you with the finest foods and drinks in the area. You’ll be pleasantly surprised by what one of the coast’s finest dining establishments has in store for guests. Everything here is a house specialty.
■ TWINING’S LOBSTER SHANTY (CLOSED UNTIL MARCH)
Rte. 54, Fenwick Island, Del., 302-436-2305, twiningshanty.com
Reservations | Kids’ Menu
“A funky little place at the edge of town.” Classic New England fare, lobsters, steaks and burgers. Bird watching and magical sunsets await. Open for lunch and dinner. Reservations are suggested.
■ CLUBHOUSE BAR AND GRILLE
100 Clubhouse Drive, Ocean Pines 410-641-7222, Oceanpinesgolf.org/dining $$ | Full bar
Indoor and outdoor dining with sweeping views of the 18th green and pond, the Clubhouse Bar and Grille serves freshly prepared breakfast and lunch items with a full bar menu.
■ OCEAN PINES YACHT CLUB
1 Mumford Landing Road, Ocean Pines 410-6417222, www.OPYachtclub.com
$$-$$$ | Full bar
The Ocean Pines Yacht Club offers casual coastal cuisine for lunch and dinner in a beautiful bayfront setting. Fresh seafood, signature drinks, live music and more.
■ BREAKFAST CAFE
12736 Ocean Gateway, Route 50 east, West Ocean City, 410-213-1804, breakfastcafeofoc.com
All the traditional breakfast options available here in a casual, diner setting. Open daily closing at 2 p.m.
■ CANTINA LOS AGAVES MEXICAN GRILL
12720 Ocean Gateway #7, West Ocean City 410390-3914, cantinalosagaves.com
$$ | Kid’s menu | Full bar Ocean City’s newest Mexican restaurant and bar. Offering delicious and generous portions of the tastiest traditional and not so traditional #MexicanEats you have ever tried. Open daily at 11 a.m. Serving food until 9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Bar open til 11 p.m.
■ DUMSER’S DAIRYLAND
West Ocean City: Route 50 east; Boardwalk locations: 501 S. Philadelphia Ave., 49th Street, 123rd Street, Ocean City, dumsersdairyland.com
This classic ice cream shop is a tradition for many families. Voted O.C.’s “Best Ice Cream” for the past 20 years, Dumser’s is celebrating decades of serving the shore, and the ‘40s-style décor takes you back in time. With locations throughout Ocean City, treating your tastebuds to this signature homemade ice cream is easy. The 49th and 124th streets locations offer vast lunch and dinner menus (breakfast too at 124th) in addition to a wide variety of ice cream treats.
■ GREENE TURTLE WEST Route 611, West Ocean City, 410-213-1500 Proudly serving West Ocean City since January 1999, The Greene Turtle features a beautiful 80seat dining room, large bar area with 54 TVs with stereo sound and game room with pool tables. With an exciting menu, The Greene Turtle is sure to please with delicious sizzling steaks, jumbo lump crab cakes, raw bar, homemade salads and more. Live entertainment, Keno, Turtle apparel, kids menu, carry-out.
■ HARBORSIDE BAR & GRILL
12841 Harbor Rd., West Ocean City, 410-2131846, weocharborside.com
$$ | Kids’ menu | Full bar
Home of the original Orange Crush drink with an extensive menu offers a wide variety of appetizers, fresh seafood, steak & pasta entrees, as well as juicy burgers and sandwiches. Whether seeking a full dining experience or just a crush or two, the team will be sure to take excellent care of you and yours. Monday-Wednesday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; Thursday: 11 a.m.-10 p.m.; Friday-Saturday: 11 a.m.-11 p.m.; Sunday: 11 a.m.-9 p.m.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(March 13, 2025) Berlin visitors and residents will soon be able to secure a memento of the charming historic town with three unique postcard designs, which will be available this summer.
A Facebook post last week by the Town of Berlin Main Street and Arts and Entertainment District said that the municipality is seeking three local artists to create “unique, eye-catching designs that capture the charm and character” of the area.
“Whether you are a painter, photographer, illustrator, or mixedmedia artist, we want to see how you envision the spirit of Downtown Berlin,” the social media post continues.
Ivy Wells, Berlin’s economic and community development director, said the town used to have postcards “decades ago.” The thought to bring back the souvenirs came from the Berlin Arts and Entertainment Advisory Board and was inspired when Berlin Welcome Center volunteers were often asked if these types of cards were available.
“That was what sparked this idea,” Wells said.
Each of the three selected artists will create their own designs from which visitors and residents can choose. The economic and community development director maintained that the town seeks distinct products. Besides the still sought creators, a younger craftsperson is already slated to offer their services.
“We are looking for three completely different designs; plus, Opal Hambury, our board youth member, will also be creating her own design from the perspective of a teenager,” Wells said.
Each selected artist will receive a $100 stipend for their design. Artists interested in the project can email Economic & Community Development Assistant Allison Early at aearly@berlin.gov by Monday, March 31, with five JPEG images of artwork for consideration.
An initial print of the postcards, to be 4” x 6”, will take place, and then the slips will be reprinted as the supply dwindles. The mementos will be available sometime this summer at the Berlin Welcome Center for a suggested donation.
The Berlin Arts and Entertainment District and the Maryland State Arts Council are sponsoring the initiative. The project will aid the municipality’s efforts to capture the town’s historical aesthetics and prioritize artistry.
“Postcards showcase the unique charm here in Berlin and create a sense of pride,” Wells said.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(March 14, 2025) A “Community River of Kindness” is coming to Berlin’s Stephen Decatur Park this spring, reminding visitors to practice compassion and empathy in their daily lives.
The river will be formed using hundreds to thousands of painted rocks that incorporate messages of kindness, antibullying, and self-worth created by students in the area. The project is to be built by the Stephen Decatur Middle School’s Kiwanis Builders Club in collaboration with the Jesse Klump Memorial Foundation, a suicide prevention nonprofit in Worcester County.
“It’s going to be a fun and uplifting project,” said Katrin Huber, the executive director of the advocacy organization.
All rocks will be collected by the end of April. Per the project timeline, education programs were slated to visit schools like SDMS, Stephen Decatur High School, Buckingham Elementary School, Berlin Intermediate School, and Worcester Preparatory School from October 2024 to April 2025.
The proposal’s plan was included in the packet for the Berlin Mayor and Council’s Feb. 24 meeting, where the project was presented for approval. According to the document, the goal is that by May, a plaque detailing the struc-
ture's story will be installed at the river. The signage’s cost is estimated at approximately $4,500 to $5,000 and will likely be funded through sponsorships.
The inspiration for the project comes from the increase in bullying and suicide rates due to social media. The hope is the rocks will remind park visitors to treat others with respect and kindness.
The Berlin Town Council approved the “Community River of Kindness” unanimously, with Councilmember Shaneka Nichols absent.
“There is a human being behind the screen,” Berlin Mayor Zack Tyndall said of online bullying and harassment. “Some people feel empowered when they’re behind the keyboard thinking that it’s going into outer space somewhere, but someone is on the other end of that reading it.”
Project officials said that the decision to hold the project in the chosen spot was easy. Given the plethora of things to do there, many students and other Worcester County residents frequent the park. The intent is for guests to take note of the rocks and reflect.
“I appreciate you choosing Berlin,” councilmember Steve Green said. “It's a great message for the kids.”
The Jesse Klump Memorial Foundation strives to end the threat of suicide in Worcester County through outreach and educational programs. The organization
was named after Jesse R. Klump, a Snow Hill High School senior who tragically passed away by suicide in early 2009.
“In the years since 2009, we have found ourselves addressing suicide across all demographics,” the nonprofit’s website reads. “Since some of our citizens find themselves in occupations or situations that exacerbate their suicide risk (first responders and farm families, for example), we create targeted programs to reach those folks.”
Additionally, in 2011, to address the grief of those impacted by suicide, Kim Klump, Jesse’s mother and president
of the organization, created a monthly post-suicide grievers’ support group. The foundation’s website explains “hundreds of people have met others struggling with the same in the meetings, and have found ways to peace with their loss.”
In 2024, the group created a Local Outreach to Suicide Survivors (LOSS) Team. The alliance is made up of trained volunteers, who are survivors of suicide loss themselves, who reach out to the newly bereaved with kindness, compassion, and resources to manage their grief.
ARIES – Mar 21/Apr 20
Aries, you are in a leadership position this week, whether you realize it or not. Your confidence may inspire others to follow your lead. Just be sure not to micromanage.
TAURUS – Apr 21/May 21
Taurus, stability is important to you. This week you may find yourself craving a deeper connection. Explore the different types of relationships in your life and make a plan.
GEMINI – May 22/Jun 21
This is an excellent week for networking and making new friends, Gemini. Just be careful of overcommitting, as it’s easy to fill up your plate with too much to handle.
CANCER – Jun 22/Jul 22
Cancer, you might be craving an emotional connection this week. You may feel drawn to someone who shares your values and outlook. Pay attention to signs that may guide you.
LEO – Jul 23/Aug 23
Now is the perfect time to push forward with creative projects or ideas at work, Leo. You might receive recognition for your efforts, so don’t worry about the spotlight if it happens.
VIRGO – Aug 24/Sept 22
Don’t lose sight of the bigger picture, Virgo. For too much time you have focused on the small details that are getting in the way of the bigger plan. A mentor might offer guidance.
LIBRA – Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, you and your partner might come up with plans to improve your living situation or finances this week. Collaboration is really the best way to tackle this.
SCORPIO – Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, a transformation could take place this week. You might feel like stepping into a new version of yourself and figuring out the best path to personal growth.
SAGITTARIUS – Nov 23/Dec 21
Stay focused on what matters most, Sagittarius. You will find that most things will fall into place. Prioritize your health and finances this week.
CAPRICORN – Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, with so much creativity flowing, you might want to express yourself through hobbies or an art project. Approach challenges in new ways and the solutions will come.
AQUARIUS – Jan 21/Feb 18
Aquarius, you might find yourself taking a step back at work to focus on personal matters. This doesn’t mean you are slacking off. It just means you need to shift priorities for a bit.
PISCES – Feb 19/Mar 20
Avoid any miscommunications by expressing yourself clearly and concisely, Pisces. Focus on strengthening your communication and connection with others in the days to come.
and 14-year-old Colin O’Brien, a participant from
SUBMITTED PHOTOS/OC TODAY-DISPATCH Worcester Preparatory School recently presented “Footloose the Musical.” Members of the community and Worcester Prep families and friends turned out in large numbers to support the cast and crew, resulting in standing ovations for both performances on Feb. 22-23. The show was made possible thanks to the creative collaboration and determination of talented student performers and Director Paulette DeRosa-Matrona, Music Director Christopher Buzby and Art Director George Zaiser. Upper School thespians and artists combined music, dance and an array of art mediums on display throughout the lobby for guests to enjoy before and after the show. Above left, front from left,are Emma Nordstrom, Rani Yonker, Sydney
Isha
and
back, from
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Ocean City Elementary School recently welcomed Worcester County Board of Education member Dr. Jon Andes as a guest reader for Read Across America Day. Fourth grade students had the honor of hearing Dr. Andes read his very own published book, “The Legacy of Billy Lee: An American Hero.” He also presented Mrs. Moeller’s class with a copy of the book for their classroom library.
Senator Mary Beth Carozza is pictured after meeting with her associate members of the Maryland Federation of Republican Women (MFRW) during Red Scarf Day in Annapolis where members from all across the State met with legislators to discuss important issues facing Maryland.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
New members along with their sponsors were recognized at the Ocean City-Berlin Optimist Club March Dinner Meeting March 4 at the American Legion Post 166 Ocean City. Pictured, from left, are Optimist President Chris Dolomount-Brown, Dan and Liz Mumford (sponsored by Don Fentress), Mitzi Patelski sponsored by Co-Vice President and Hospitality Chairperson Melva Middleton, Carol Dural (sponsored by Amanda Koontz), Linda Roskovich sponsored by Alexis Mumford, and Membership Chairman Roger Pacella.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH PLATINUM
Worcester Preparatory School (WPS) is proud to announce it has earned Platinum recognition on the 2024 AP School Honor Roll. Of the 15,887 eligible schools in the U.S. and Canada, WPS is among just 1,049 schools (top 7%) to receive this honor for establishing AP programs that yield results for our students. WPS surpassed the Platinum criteria across all three metrics: College Culture, College Credit, and College Optimization. We celebrate all WPS students engaged in the AP curriculum and express our gratitude to the faculty who have provided exceptional teaching to these students. Pictured are Worcester Preparatory School’s high school AP teachers. Pictured, from left, are Liz Nally, Dr. Katie Moreland, Madelyn Beebe, Mike Mariotti, Rex Willoughby, Paul Cyryca, Nancy Raskauskas, Betsey Cooper and Head of Upper School Carol Evans.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/OC TODAY-DISPATCH
Eight members of the Worcester County Garden Club recently attended the Federated Garden Clubs of Maryland District I Annual Meeting at The Fountains in Salisbury. The club received an award for its yearbook and certificates of appreciation were presented to members Glenda Clarke and Jackie Davies for chairing the District I Fundraising Committee. Pictured, front from left, are Jackie Davies, Glenda Clarke, Mary Ellen Jefferson and Suzy Young; back, from left, Pat Arata, Sandy Buchanan, Rebecca Galyon and Martha Bennett..
Ocean City Elementary School third and fourth grade students geared up for success by participating in a Maryland State Assessment Pep Rally on March 5. This celebration was to recognize their hard work and preparation to “show what they know” on the upcoming math and reading assessments. Through cheers, encouragement, and strategy reminders, students were motivated to apply their skills, use their test-taking strategies, and do their best on the MCAP test. The rally served as a fun and energetic way to build confidence and excitement for the assessments ahead.
SUBMITTED PHOTO/ OC
Submit calendar items to: editor@oceancitytoday.net. Submission deadline is 5 p.m. Monday, the week of publication. Local submissions have priority. Area event listings are subject to space availability.
ST. PATRICK’S SOCCER TOURNAMENT
Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City. Adult Men’s and Women’s and CoRec Divisions, March 14-16. Price is $400 per team. Register: https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreation-parks/.
3RD ANNUAL BERLIN LEPRACON BAR CRAWL
Have your passports stamped at participating Berlin locations. Complete your passport for a chance to win. March 1417. Passports: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/3rd-annual-berlin-lepracon.
CHARTING THE COURSE: CO-CREATING A SHARED VISION FOR OCEAN CITY’S TOMORROW
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Help design practical steps to co-create Ocean City’s future. Free workshop. Register: https://www.ococean.com/events/150-days-of-celebrations/rachel-druckenmiller-workshop/.
BABY TIME
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. A great opportunity for babies (0-2 years) and their caregivers to socialize, play, read and explore in a bright play space. Drop by and make some friends. 410641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
OC MAHJONG CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Join in for a morning of playing tile Mahjong. Feel free to bring your own tile set. All adults are welcome. 410-5241818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
HOMESCHOOL HANGOUT
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 11 a.m.6 p.m. Join in for STREAM activities and socialize with other homeschool families. For ages 6-11 years. 410-6323495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
TASTE OF OCEAN PINES
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 1 p.m. Help celebrate Restaurant Week in Ocean Pines with this cooking class, where Pines Cafe will be sharing some culinary secrets. Registration required: 410-2084014. www.worcesterlibrary.org
BOOK OF THE MONTH CLUB: ‘THE EMPRESS AND THE ENGLISH DOCTOR’ BY LUCY WARD
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. Copies of the book are available at the library’s circulation desk. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SUN CATCHERS
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4 p.m. Get ready for spring sunshine with a colorful suncatcher made with glass beads. For teens ages 12-18 years. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
NECROMUNDA
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Come play a selected role-playing game for adults only after hours. Registration required: 410-632-3495. www.worcesterlibrary.org
KIGHTS OF COLUMBUS BINGO
Fridays - Knights of Columbus, 9901
Coastal Highway, behind St. Luke’s Church. Doors open at 5 p.m., bingo starts at 6:30 p.m. Light snacks available before bingo and at intermission. 410-524-7994
ST. PATRICK’S PARADE AND IRISH FESTIVAL
45th Street & Coastal Highway, Ocean City. The parade begins at noon on Coastal Highway at 57th Street and marches south to the 45th Street Shopping Center. The Irish festival runs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. https://www.delmarvairish.org
ST. PATRICK’S SOCCER TOURNAMENT
Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City. Adult Men’s and Women’s and CoRec Divisions, March 14-16. Price is $400 per team. Register: https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreation-parks/.
3RD ANNUAL BERLIN LEPRACON BAR
CRAWL
Have your passports stamped at participating Berlin locations. Complete your passport for a chance to win. March 1417. Passports: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/3rd-annual-berlin-lepracon.
COMMUNITY SHRED DAY Ocean Pines Volunteer Fire Department
N. Station, 249 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m.noon. Shred outdated documents. Suggested cash donation per box. All proceeds benefit O.P.V.F.D. No batteries, heavy metal or electronic devices. 410-641-8272
WALK WITH A DOC
Southgate Pond, Race Track Road, Ocean Pines, 9-10 a.m. Join Dr. Jeremy Gill for an educational discussion about Alzheimer’s and other dementias. Then walk around the park’s trail. First 10 participants receive a $10 WalMart gift card. Alyce Marzola, 410-641-9268
LEPRECHAUN TRAPS
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Are you crafty enough to build a trap that can catch a leprechaun? Bring your imagination, roll up your sleeves and get busy. For ages 6-11 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
CRAFTY SATURDAY: ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. Join in for some green crafts as the group celebrates this holiday with leprechauns and rainbows. For ages 0-11 years. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
FORMAL GOWN SALE!
The Crab Bag Shopping Center, 13005 Coastal Highway, Ocean City, 1-3 p.m. Formal, bridal and cocktail dresses sold at 75%-80% off. All dresses must go. Proceeds supporting Athletic Center Building Fund.
HOBBY FAIR
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-3 p.m. Dive into a world of creativity and discovery as you connect with passionate hobbyists from diverse clubs, groups and service providers. 443-783-6164
FARMERS & ARTISANS MARKET
Saturdays - White Horse Park, 239 Ocean Parkway, 9 a.m. to noon. Shop for everything from fresh local produce to unique handmade artisan goods. Open to the public.
ST. PATRICK’S SOCCER TOURNAMENT
Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City. Adult Men’s and Women’s and CoRec Divisions, March 14-16. Price is $400 per team. Register: https://oceancitymd.gov/oc/departments/recreation-parks/.
3RD ANNUAL BERLIN LEPRACON BAR CRAWL
Have your passports stamped at participating Berlin locations. Complete your passport for a chance to win. March 1417. Passports:
https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/3rd-annual-berlin-lepracon.
BERLIN FLEA MARKET
Sundays - Uptown Emporium Parking Lot, 13 S. Main St., Berlin, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Vendor opportunities available. Julie, 410-726-9012; Bill, 410-629-9656
SEWING FOR A CAUSE
Sundays - Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main St., Berlin, 10:30 a.m. to noon. Learn how to sew while making a difference. 410-641-0234
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Sundays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 10 a.m. www.jw.org
3RD ANNUAL BERLIN LEPRACON BAR CRAWL
Have your passports stamped at participating Berlin locations. Complete your passport for a chance to win. March 1417. Passports: https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/3rd-annual-berlin-lepracon.
STORY TIME: ST. PATRICK’S DAY
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Crafts, songs and stories. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
GREAT BOOKS DISCUSSION
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2:30 p.m. Group meets twice a month to discuss selections from the Great Books Foundation. Today’s focus will be on “The Daughters of the Late Colonel” by Katherine Mansfield. 410-208-4014
T.O.P.S. OF BERLIN - GROUP #169
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 56:30 p.m. Take Off Pounds Sensibly is a weekly support and educational group promoting weight loss and living a healthy lifestyle. Rose Campion, 410-641-0157
BRIDGE
Mondays - Ocean City 50plus Center, 104 41st Street, Ocean City, 12:30-3:30 p.m. Reserve a spot: Tish, 410-8043971. www.Worcoa.org/oceancity
DELMARVA WOMEN’S A CAPELLA CHORUS
Mondays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 6:00-8:00 p.m. All ladies who love to sing invited. Mary, 410-629-9383 or Carol, 302-2427062.
OVEREATER’S ANONYMOUS
Mondays - Worcester County LibraryOcean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 7-8 p.m. No dues or fees. 410-459-9100
GENEALOGY WORKSHOP
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10 a.m. The workshop starts with a 20-minute lesson on genealogy research., follow by Q&A. Bring a laptop, tablet or papers containing family information. Registration requested: 410-208-4014.
STORY TIME: TRANSPORTATION
Worcester County Library - Pocomoke Branch, 301 Market St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, stories and crafts. For ages 0-5 years. 410-957-0878, www.worcesterlibrary.org
STORY TIME
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10:30 a.m. Story time geared for ages 0-5 years featuring seasonal themes designed to support early literacy skills with stories, songs and fingerplays. 410-641-0650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
BABY TIME
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. Songs, rhymes and stories. Stay after to socialize with other families. For ages 0-2 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
OC KNITTING GROUP
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway,10:30 a.m. Do you love to knit or crochet? Bring whatever project you happen to be working on. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
ST. PATRICK’S DAY BATH BOMB
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Create your own festive bath bomb in this DIY craft. For ages 12-18 years. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SURGICAL CLASSES
Atlantic General Hospital, Conference Room 1, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 5-6 p.m. Learn about what to expect when having surgery. No RSVP required. Atlantic General Hospital’s PreAdmission Testing Department, 410-641-9814
BEACH HEROES-OC
Tuesdays - Volunteer beach clean-up group meets from 9-10 a.m., year-round. Trash bags, grippers and gloves provided. Check the Facebook page “Beach Heroes-OC” for weekly meeting locations. All are welcome.
JEHOVAH’S WITNESSES MEETING
Tuesdays - Berlin Congregation of Jehovah’s Witnesses, 212 West St., Berlin, 7 p.m. www.jw.org
TAKE OFF POUNDS SENSIBLY
Tuesdays - Worcester County Health Department, 9730 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 3:30-4:30 p.m. TOPS is a weekly support and education group promoting
weight loss and a healthy lifestyle. 410289-4725
OC KNITTING CLUB
Tuesdays - Worcester County LibraryOcean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m.
ARGENTINE TANGO PRACTICE
Tuesdays - Experienced dancers and others interested in watching or learning more are welcome, 7-9:30 p.m. No partner required. Info: TangobytheBeach.com.
ZUMBA TONING TUESDAYS
Tuesdays - Northside Park, 200 125th St., Ocean City, 5:30 p.m. Zumba with optional light weights. zumbajoyceoc@gmail.com
WEIGHT MANAGEMENT AND WELLNESS GROUP
Tuesdays - Holy Trinity Cathedral, 11021 Worcester Highway, 2-2:45 p.m. Use the weight loss program/app/plan of your choice. Free and open to everyone. 410-641-4882, www.htcanglican.org/activities.
<BARIATRIC SUPPORT GROUP
Online Zoom call held the third and fourth Wednesday of each month. For surgical patients. Atlantic General Bariatric Center, 410-641-9568
HOLT 2025 ANNUAL SPRING SHOW
Roland E. Powell Convention Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, Ocean City. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Register: holtpaper.com/expo.
EASTERN SHORE SEWISTS
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 10 a.m. Promoting the needle arts through sewing education, activities and textile crafts. For artisans of all skill levels. 410-6410650, www.worcesterlibrary.org
SENSORY STAY AND PLAY
Worcester County Library - Ocean City Branch, 10003 Coastal Highway, 10:30 a.m. Learn through exploration, curiosity and creativity. Get ready to squish, build, splash, shake and scoop through several fun stations. For ages 0-5 years. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
BACKGAMMON CLUB
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Drop in for a game of Backgammon, whether you’re an expert or want to refresh your skills. Beginners welcome. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
PUZZLE SWAP
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1-5 p.m. Bring your gently used puzzles and swap for a new-to-you puzzle. Don’t have a puzzle
but still want one? That’s OK too. All puzzles must be in their original box. 410-641-0650
BREAST CANCER SUPPORT GROUP
John H. “Jack” Burbage, Jr. Regional Cancer Care Center, 9707 Healthway Drive, Berlin, 1-2 p.m. For survivors and current patients battling breast cancer. Women Supporting Women, 410-548-7880
‘HIT OR MISS’ TRIVIA
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 3 p.m. Featuring general knowledge questions, prizes and refreshments. Admission is free. No registration necessary. 410208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
KICKSTART KINDERGARTEN
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 4:30 p.m. Six session series built to help preschoolers get ready for Kindergarten. Families will also receive a light snack and tips for continuing Kindergarten preparedness at. home. Ages 3-5. 410-641-0650
STORYTELLERS THEATER
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 5 p.m. Games and activities to introduce theater, improv and public speaking. Best for ages 6-11 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
OCEAN PINES KIWANIANS BINGO & CASH PRIZES
Ocean Downs Casino, Event Room, 10218 Racetrack Road, Berlin, 6 p.m. Doors open at 5 p.m. Cost is $40 and includes 19 games; $100 cash prize/game. Special 20th Jackpot Game, 50/50 tickets and pull tabs. Tickets: https://kiwanisofopoc.org/bingo. Alcohol prohibited. 410-208-3115
KIWANIS CLUB MEETING
Wednesdays - Ocean Pines Community Center, 239 Ocean Parkway, 8 a.m. Doors open at 7:30 a.m. Last Wednesday of the month meetings are offsite and information can be found on the website and Facebook. www.kiwanisofopoc.org.
CPAP MASK FITTING
Atlantic General Hospital’s Sleep Disorders Diagnostic Center, 9733 Healthway Drive, Berlin. Free mask fitting clinic for patients who are having trouble adjusting to their CPAP equipment. By appointment only: Robin Rohlfing, 410-641-9726.
STORY TIME: SPRINGTIME
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 10:30 a.m. Butterflies, caterpillars and flowers. Welcome, spring. Enjoy songs, dancing and crafts. For ages 2-5 years. 410-2084014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
PLAY TIME
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill
Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 10:30 a.m. A variety of activities and toys. Play and socialize with other families. For ages 2-5 years. 410-632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
VIRTUAL PARENT SUPPORT GROUP
For parents of children with disabilities/special education needs, 12 p.m. Sponsored by Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee of Worcester County. RSVP: Pam Green, PLgreen@worcesterk12.org.
LUNCHTIME LENTEN SERVICE AND SOUP LUNCH
St. Paul United Methodist Church, 405 Flower St., Berlin. Worship begins at noon followed by a light lunch. Rev. Karen Sadvari preaching on Study. bethany21811@gmail.com, 410-6412186
NATURE LOVERS CRAFTING
Worcester County Library - Snow Hill Branch, 307 N. Washington St., 1 p.m. Nature themed craft projects for adults. March: Irish Hillside Collage Art. 410632-3495, www.worcesterlibrary.org
LET’S MAKE … CHERRY BLOSSOMS
Worcester County Library - Berlin Branch, 13 Harrison Ave., 1 p.m. Make a table decoration of bountiful cherry blossom buds and blooms. All materials provided. Registration required: 410641-0650. www.worcesterlibrary.org
A CELTIC FILM FESTIVAL
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 2 p.m. From ancient castles to hidden gems, these narrated films offer a unique and immersive experience. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
MAGIC THE GATHERING
Worcester County Library - Ocean Pines Branch, 11107 Cathell Road, 4:30 p.m. Battle it out with sorcery, dragons and giants. Experienced and novice players welcome. BYOC recommended. For ages 12-18 years. 410-208-4014, www.worcesterlibrary.org
POP CULTURE BOOK CLUB: ‘AROUND THE WORLD IN EIGHTY GAMES’ BY MARCUS DU SAUTOY
Game Theory Cafe, 1822 Philadelphia Ave., Ocean City, 5 p.m. Join the Ocean City Library and Game Theory Cafe for an
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Crossword answers from page 40
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afternoon of popular culture nonfiction. 410-524-1818, www.worcesterlibrary.org
QUIT SMOKING & VAPING CLASS
Gudelsky Family Medical Center, 10614 Racetrack Road, Ocean Pines, 5-6 p.m.
Participants receive one-on-one support, group support, weekly prizes and quit resources. Register: 410-632-1100, Ext. 1103 or www.worcesterhealth.org.
PARENTS RESOURCE NIGHT
Worcester Technical High School, 6270 Worcester Highway, Newark, 5:30-8 p.m. Resources for children with disabilities and/or special education needs. Sponsored by Special Education Citizens Advisory Committee of Worcester County. Pam Green, PLgreen@worcesterk12.org
WOMEN SUPPORTING WOMEN’S 23RD ANNUAL PINK RIBBON BINGO
Willards Lions Community Center, Hearn Street, Willards, 6-9:30 p.m.
Tickets $35. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. Food, beverages and baked goods available. Tickets cost $35 in advance or $40 at the door. Tickets: 410-548-7880, https://womensupportingwomen.harnessgiving.org/events/2469.
GOLDEN GIRLS THE LAUGHS CONTINUE
Ocean City Performing Arts Center, 4001 Coastal Highway, 7 p.m. VIP tickets include photos with the actors on set after the show. Tickets:
https://www.etix.com/ticket/p/5211183 7/golden-girls-the-laughs-continueocean-city-oc-performing-arts-center.
‘LUCKY LEPRECHAUNS LOOSE IN THE LIBRARY’ GAME WEEK
Pocomoke library, 301 Market St., March 17-22. Drop by anytime during the week to complete the games and receive a St. Paddy’s Day surprise. For ages 6-18 years. 410-957-0878
PINOCHLE
Meets the first and third Thursday of each month at Ocean Pines Community Center, 235 Ocean Parkway, 12:15-3:15 p.m. Established Pinochle group welcoming new members. Carrie, 410-251-8207
MARCH INSPIRATION CHALLENGE
Snow Hill library, 307 N. Washington St., during March. Art, photography or poetry competition for all ages. Pieces will be displayed in the library for viewing. The theme is “Stormy.” Due by March 26. 410-632-3495
COMMUNITY JOURNAL: TELL HER STORY
Pocomoke library, 301 Market St. Drop in anytime during March and write a story in the community journal about a woman who has inspired you and share your thoughts and hopes for a better future. 410-957-0878
JOLLY ROGER
FT POOL MAINTENANCE
Inspecting & assessing condition of pool equipment, performing minor & major repairs, documenting all pool maintenance & repair activities for record keeping. Outdoor work, lifting heavy objects. Mechanical, basic pool pump & motors. CPO a plus/must be able to pass CPO test. Includes weekends and long hours. Wages start at $15/hr & up based on experience. Benefits available. 410-289-4902
Ask for Suzanne.
Bowling Alley Mechanic: Inspect, maintain, & repair bowling alley equipment. Perform installations, overhauls, & routine inspections. Conduct operational checks, visually inspect, trace wiring, & make adjustments. Independently decide on methods & techniques for repairs. Obtain replacement parts. Run automatic pinsetter cycles & ensure accuracy. Establish & execute regular maintenance programs. Provide instructions to maintenance staff. Min Rqmts: High school/ GED. Able to work overtime, including late nights, weekends, & holidays; Non-smoker on worksite; verifiable references.
Resumes to Job Loc: Ocean Lanes LLC, 115 72ND STREET, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842.
ATTN: K. Grigoryan
Small seasonal boutique Oceanfront Hotel in Ocean City has the following jobs available:
Desk Clerks with reservation computer program experience needed for both the 1st shift and 2nd shifts. Daytime Housekeepers Apply online at info@ocbreakers.com or call 410-289-9165 Monday-Friday 9am-4pm.
SPEEDWORLD
Small Engine Mechanic. Year-round. Wage starts at $15/hr & up based on experience. Benefits available. 443-754-1047
RENTAL 2BR, 2BA CONDO W/ Boat Slip DOWNTOWN OC Yearly or Seasonal (5/23/25-9/1/25) 410-733-0748
SEASONAL RENTAL
Efficiency condo with pool available Mid-May - MidSept. $8500. A/C, parking, 2 people occupancy. Resort Rentals/ OCVacations, 410-524-0295
Seeking YR & Seasonal Rentals!
Call Howard Martin Realty 410-352-5555.
House To Share In Ocean Pines. Fully furnished, all utilities & WiFi included. No pets, no smoking. Large Room, $800; Regular Room, $700. 443-880-2486
Direct Ocean View Condo. 1BR/2BA, 2 Full Beds, furnished, full kitchen, washer/dryer, parking. No pets. No smoking. Utility included. WiFi included. Onsite security. Daily rental $100 per night, based on availability. Advance payments required. 301-802-0937
or joined. Approx. 800-1000 sq. ft. ea. Busy major road in Town of Berlin. Call 443-880-8885
2 Office/Retail Spaces available in West Ocean City. Approximately 1656 sq. ft. and 1728 sq. ft. Call 443-497-4200
Commercial Space
Available
South Gate Ocean Pines
1500 sq. ft. Retail/Office Call for details 410-430-3758
Industrial Space Yard and Storage Shed. Approx. 10x25+/Route 90/Bishopville. Call 443-497-4200.
www.facebook.com/OCBudgetMovers
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LARRY’S HANDYMAN SERVICE
No job too small. Entrance doors, interior doors, storm doors, shower doors, drywall repairs and paint, laminate floors, interior paint. Over 40 years of carpentry experience. Please call Larry, 410-251-9066
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VEHICLES WANTED
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Special Authorization - Budget Director
Restrictions - City Manager:
108 8th Street
Ocean City, Maryland 21842
VALUABLE IMPROVED REAL ESTATE
21 COASTAL DRIVE
By virtue of a Statement of Lien recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland, and pursuant to an Order of the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland in Case No. C-23-CV-25000006, the undersigned Trustee will offer for sale at public auction in front of the property located at 21 Coastal Drive. Berlin. Maryland 21811, on
FRIDAY, MARCH 21, 2025 AT 9:00 AM
ALL that certain lot or parcel of land lying and being situate in the Tenth Election District of Worcester County, Maryland, which is more particularly designated as Lot Number 195, in Block P, Section Two, in Mystic Harbour, as shown on the plat entitled Mystic Harbour Subdivision Section Two recorded among the Land Records of Worcester County, Maryland in Plat Book No. 113, folio 33, et seq.
The property will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, with no warranties or guarantees, and will be sold subject to a Deed of Trust recorded among the aforesaid Land Records in Liber No. 7929, folio 118, said Deed of Trust having had an original principal balance of $225,834.00 on February 1, 2021. The Trustee reserves the right to reject any and all bids.
Terms of Sale: A deposit in the amount of Ten Thousand Dollars ($10,000.00) will be required at the time of sale, such deposit to be in a cashier's or bank check, or in other form as the Trustee may determine acceptable, in his sole discretion, with the balance to be paid in cash at time of settlement. The date of settlement shall be fifteen (15) days after final ratification by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, time being of the essence; otherwise, the deposit will be forfeited and the property will be resold at the risk and expense of the defaulting purchaser, or in any manner designated by the Trustee; or, without forfeiting deposit, the Seller may exercise any of its legal or equitable rights against the defaulting purchaser. The undersigned reserves the right to waive the deposit requirements as to the purchaser representing the interest of the party secured by the Lien. Taxes, homeowners association dues and wastewater charges will be adjusted to the date of sale and thereafter assumed by the purchaser. All costs of conveyancing, including transfer and recordation taxes, shall be paid by the Purchaser. The Purchaser shall be responsible for obtaining possession
of the property. In the event the undersigned is unable to convey marketable title, the sale will be null and void and the Purchaser's sole remedy will be the return of the deposit without interest.
For more information, call: James E. Clubb, Jr. Trustee 410-289-2323
OCD-3/6/3t
BWW Law Group, LLC 6003 Executive Blvd., Suite 101 Rockville, MD 20852 (301) 961-6555
OF REAL PROPERTY AND ANY IMPROVEMENTS THEREON
10116 MCALLISTER
BERLIN, MD 21811
Under a power of sale contained in a certain Deed of Trust dated December 22, 2008, recorded in Liber 5182, Folio 470 among the Land Records of Worcester County, MD, with an original principal balance of $322,500.00, default having occurred under the terms thereof, the Sub. Trustees will sell at public auction at the Circuit Court for Worcester County, at the Court House Door, One W. Market St., Snow Hill, MD 21863, on
MARCH 18, 2025 AT 4:05 PM
ALL THAT FEE SIMPLE LOT OF GROUND, together with any buildings or improvements thereon located in Worcester County, MD and more fully described in the aforesaid Deed of Trust.
The property, and any improvements thereon, will be sold in an "as is" condition and subject to conditions, restrictions and agreements of record affecting the same, if any, and with no warranty of any kind.
Terms of Sale: A deposit of $16,000 in the form of certified check, cashier's check or money order will be required of the purchaser at time and place of sale. Balance of the purchase price, together with interest on the unpaid purchase money at the current rate contained in the Deed of Trust Note, or any modifications thereto, from the date of sale to the date funds are received by the Sub. Trustees, payable in cash within ten days of final ratification of the sale by the Circuit Court. There will be no abatement of interest due to the purchaser in the event additional funds are tendered before settlement. TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE FOR THE PURCHASER. Adjustment of all real property taxes, including agricultural taxes, if applicable, and any and all public and/or private charges or assessments, to the extent such amounts survive foreclosure sale, including water/sewer, ground rent and front foot benefit charges, to be adjusted to date of sale and thereafter assumed by purchaser. Purchaser is responsible for any recapture of homestead tax credit. All transfer taxes and recordation
taxes shall be paid by Purchaser. The purchaser shall be responsible for the payment of the ground rent escrow, if required. Condominium fees and/or homeowners association dues, if any, shall be assumed by the purchaser from the date of sale. Purchaser is responsible for obtaining physical possession of the property, and assumes risk of loss or damage to the property from the date of sale. The sale is subject to post-sale audit of the status of the loan with the loan servicer including, but not limited to, determination of whether the borrower entered into any repayment agreement, reinstated or paid off the loan prior to the sale. In any such event, this sale shall be null and void, and the Purchaser's sole remedy, in law or equity, shall be the return of the deposit without interest. If purchaser fails to settle within ten days of ratification, subject to order of court, purchaser agrees that property will be resold and entire deposit retained by Sub. Trustees as liquidated damages for all losses occasioned by the purchaser's default and purchaser shall have no further liability. The purchaser waives personal service of any papers filed in connection with its failure to settle within ten days of ratification and expressly agrees to accept service by first class mail at the address provided by the Purchaser as identified on the Memorandum of Sale. The defaulted purchaser shall not be entitled to any surplus proceeds resulting from said resale even if such surplus results from improvements to the property by said defaulted purchaser. Sub. Trustees will convey either marketable or insurable title. If they cannot deliver one or the other, or if ratification of the sale is denied by the Circuit Court for any reason, the Purchaser's sole remedy, at law or equity, is return of the deposit without interest. (Matter No. 371045-1)
Howard N. Bierman, Carrie M. Ward, et. al., Substitute Trustees
OCD-2/27/3t _________________________________
QUINN MCGINNES WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HWY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of ETHELEE H NALLS AKA: ETHELEE HEWITT NALLS Estate No. 20536 Notice is given that MARGARET N PRICE whose address is 252 BISHOPS GRANT DR SUDLERSVILLE, MD 21668-1609 was on FEBRUARY 19, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ETHELEE H NALLS who died on JANUARY 23, 2025 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or
by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 19th day of AUGUST, 2025
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/27/3t
OF
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20497 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RONALD W. FERGER
Notice is given that Robin L. Ferger Hill, 705 Mooring Rd., Unit 3, Ocean City, MD 21842-4976, was on February 14, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Ronald W. Ferger who died on January 05, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 14th day of August, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Reg-
Robin L. Ferger Hill
Personal Representative
True Test Copy
Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street
Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: February 27, 2025
OCD-2/27/3t
Pursuant to the provisions of Chapter 110 of the Code of Ocean City, Maryland, hereinafter referred to as the Code, same being the Zoning Ordinance for Ocean City, Maryland, notice is hereby given that public hearings will be conducted by the Planning and Zoning Commission for Ocean City, Maryland in the Council Chambers of City Hall located on Baltimore Avenue and Third Street, in the Town of Ocean City, Maryland on:
Tuesday, March 18, 2025
At 7:00 PM
To consider amending Chapter 110, entitled Zoning, Section 110-2 entitled Definitions, to add certain definitions related to the outdoor display of merchandise; and Section 110-884, entitled Outdoor Display of Merchandise Standards for Properties Fronting on Atlantic Avenue (boardwalk to establish regulations for businesses wishing to display merchandise outdoors along properties fronting Atlantic Avenue (boardwalk). Businesses would be required to obtain an annual display permit through an application process. The ordinance addresses general standards for all outdoor displays and specific requirements for free-standing outdoor displays, wall mounted outdoor displays, A-Frame signs, ancillary services and restaurants. The ordinance also addresses enforcement procedures.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION (PZ FILE #25-1810003)
No oral or written testimony will be accepted after the close of the public hearing.
Public hearings that are not completed at one meeting may be continued without additional advertised notice provided the Commission Chairperson announces that the hearing will be continued and gives persons in attendance an opportunity to sign up for written notice of the additional hearing dates.
For further information concerning this public hearing, please contact the Department of Planning and
Community Development, Room 242, City Hall, 301 Baltimore Avenue, Ocean City, MD 21842. Phone 410-289-8855.
PLANNING AND ZONING COMMISSION
JOSEPH P. WILSON, CHAIRPERSON
MAUREEN HOWARTH, ESQ., ATTORNEY OCD-2/27/3t
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of ANN R. GOUGH Estate No. 20523 Notice is given that KATHLEEN A. GOUGH whose address is 1214 ANNA DR., PHILADELPHIA, PA 19116-1800 was on FEBRUARY 13, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of ANN R. GOUGH who died on DECEMBER 15, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 13th day of AUGUST, 2025
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-2/27/3t
KIRK G. SIMPKINS ESQ
SIMPKINS & SIMPKINS, P.A. P.O. BOX 550 PRINCESS ANNE, MD 21853
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
Estate No. 20540 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF EMILY JEAN TAYLOR
Notice is given that Kirk G. Simpkins, P.O. Box 550, Princess Anne, MD 21853-0550, was on February 24, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Emily Jean Taylor who died on February 07,
2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24th day of August, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Kirk G. Simpkins
Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: February 27, 2025
OCD-2/27/3t
MARIANNA BATIE ESQ. BATIE LAW LLC
9748 STEPHEN DECATUR HWY., STE. 112 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-9358
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20543 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF CHARLES ELWOOD BAILEY
Notice is given that Vina Bailey, 33 Blue Heron Cir., Berlin, MD 21811-2712, was on February 24, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Charles Elwood Bailey who died on January 11, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24th day of August, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with
the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates: (1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Vina Bailey Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: February 27, 2025
OCD-2/27/3t
MEEGAN KENNEDY WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON LLP 3509 COASTAL HWY. OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3334
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20551 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RICHARD M. SASSI
Notice is given that Peter S. Buas, 3509 Coastal Hwy., Ocean City, MD 21842-3334, was on February 26, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Richard M. Sassi who died on February 23, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 26th day of August 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is
unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Peter S. Buas
Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: March 06, 2025
OCD-3/6/3t
SIMPKINS & SIMPKINS, P.A. ATTORNEYS AT LAW
P.O. BOX 550 PRINCESS ANNE, MD 21853
ROBERT JAY HUDSON 58 Lookout Pt Ocean Pines, MD 21811
Plaintiff VS.
JAMES HARVEY SMITH
P.O. Box 366703 San Juan, PR 00936-6703 And WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
Serve on: Phillip G. Thompson, Treasurer P.O. Box 248 Snow Hill, MD 21863 And All persons or Corporations having Or claiming to have interest in the hereinafter described properties situate in Worcester County, Maryland Defendants
CIVIL NO. C-23-CV-25-000049 IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY STATE OF MARYLAND
The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding:
"The property located in Worcester County, further described as List Number: 50 Parcel Number: 08007438 Property Description 2.12
Acs N Side George Island Landing Rd, Assessed to Smith James Harvey"
The Complaint states, among other ~ that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid. IT IS thereupon 25th of February, 2025 by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, ORDERED, that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for 3 successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the April 29, 2025, and redeem "The property located in Worcester County, further described as List Number: 50 Parcel Number: 08007438 Property Description 2.12
Acs N Side George Island Landing
Rd, Assessed to Smith James Harvey" and answer the complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the plaintiff a title, free and clear of all encumbrances. '
Failure to answer or redeem this property within the time allowed may result in a Judgment foreclosing the right of redemption.
Beau H. Oglesby Judge
True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki
Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-3/6/3t
IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
IN THE ESTATE OF: EMILIO VASCO CALCARA ESTATE NO. 20340
To all persons interested in the above estate:
Notice is given that a petition to caveat has been filed by CAROL RENNE MOLONY AND JULIANA CALCARA , DAUGHTERS OF THE DECEDENT challenging the will dated 9/25/2023.
You may obtain from the Register of Wills the date and time of any hearing on this matter.
TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills
Name of newspaper: OCEAN CITY DIGEST
Date of publication: MARCH 06, 2025
OCD-3/6/2t
BRIAN PETER COSBY NILES, BARTON & WILMER, LLP 12417 OCEAN GATEWAY #B-13 OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of GEORGETTE MARIE METRO Estate No. 19541 Notice is given that VALERIE METRO MONTGOMERY whose address is 5405 CHATHAM RD BROOKLYN PARK, MD 21225-3428 was on FEBRUARY 27, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of GEORGETTE MARIE METRO who died on DECEMBER 17, 2022 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27th day of AUGUST, 2025
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with
the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
OCD-3/6/3t
IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR)
BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
IN THE ESTATE OF: KAYRELL J. WILKERSON
ESTATE NO. 20509
To all persons interested in the above estate:
Notice is given that a petition to caveat has been filed by DONNA M. WILKERSON GUTRIDGE, 12829 SWORDFISH DRIVE, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 challenging the will dated 8/18/2022.
You may obtain from the Register of Wills the date and time of any hearing on this matter.
TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills
Name of newspaper: OCEAN CITY DIGEST
Date of publication: MARCH 06, 2025
OCD-3/6/2t
IN THE ORPHANS’ COURT FOR (OR) BEFORE THE REGISTER OF WILLS FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
IN THE ESTATE OF: ROBERT ELLSWORTH JOHNSON
ESTATE NO. 20542
To all Persons Interested in the above estate:
You are hereby notified that a petition has been filed by SARAH JOHNSON, 214 DEAN ROAD, CENTERVILLE, MD 21617 AND AMANDA FLOYD, 9181 FIREFLY RUN, PASADENA, MD 21122 for judicial probate for the appointment of a personal representative. A hearing will be held at One W. Market Street, Court Room 4, Court House, Snow Hill, MD 21863 on March 25, 2025 at 10:00 a.m.
This hearing may be transferred or postponed to a subsequent time. Further information may be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills. TERRI WESTCOTT Register of Wills Newspaper designated by personal representative: OCEAN CITY DIGEST
Date of publication: MARCH 06, 2025
OCD-3/6/2t
OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE
Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: James Ryan Bergey, III, 10580 Worcester Highway, Berlin Maryland 21811. For: OC Flamingo, LLC
For the premises known as and located at:
T/A: Flamingo Coast 3 Atlantic Avenue
Ocean City, Maryland 21842
Formerly: T&T Russo Realty Corporation
There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: March 19, 2025 @ 1:25 P.M.
The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us
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DONALD MARLAIS, ATTNY. 411 10TH ST., NE WASHINGTON, DC 20002-6119
OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20553 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF FREDERICK LEWIS STROBEL JR.
Notice is given that Angel Kennedy, 2755 E. Palmer St., Gilbert, AZ 85298-5749, was on February 27, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Frederick Lewis Strobel Jr. who died on January 13, 2025, without a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 27th day of August, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal
representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Angel Kennedy Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074 Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: March 06, 2025
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Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a "B" B/W/L 7 Day and a Request to designate as Multiple License #1 Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Robert Ciprietti, 38944 Cypress Lake, #56167, Bethany Beach, DE 19930; and Wayne Albert Hartman, 60 Hingham Lane, Ocean Pines, MD 21811. For: Farindola OP, LLC
For the premises known as and located at:
T/A: Ocean Pines Yacht Club 1 Mumfords Landing Road Ocean Pines, Maryland 21811 Formerly: Ocean Pines
International Yacht Club, Inc.
There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: March 19, 2025 @ 1:45 P.M.
The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us
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OF APPLICATION FOR ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGE LICENSE
Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a "B" B/W/L 7 Day and a Request to designate as Multiple License #2 for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR License: 7 Day, By: Robert Ciprietti, 38944 Cypress Lake, #56167, Bethany Beach, DE 19930; and Wayne Albert Hartman, 60 Hingham Lane, Ocean Pines, MD 21811. For: Farindola OP, LLC
For the premises known as and located at:
T/A: Ocean Pines Golf & Country Club 100 Clubhouse Drive Ocean Pines, Maryland 21811
Formerly: Ocean Pines Golf & Country Club, Inc
There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: March 19, 2025 @ 1:50 P.M.
The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us OCD-3/6/2t
Application has been made by the Undersigned for a Transfer of a "B" B/W/L 7 Day and a Request to designate as Multiple License #3 for a Class: "B" BEER-WINE-LIQUOR
License: 7 Day, By: Robert Ciprietti, 38944 Cypress Lake, #56167, Bethany Beach, DE 19930; and Wayne Albert Hartman, 60 Hingham Lane, Ocean Pines, MD 21811.
For: Farindola OP, LLC
For the premises known as and located at:
T/A: Ocean Pines Beach Club 4905 Atlantic Avenue
Ocean City, Maryland 21842 Formerly: Ocean Pines Beach Club, Inc.
There will be a public hearing on the application at the Worcester County Government Center, Room 1102, Snow Hill, Maryland, on: March 19, 2025 @ 1:55 P.M.
The Board welcomes written or oral comments at said public hearing from any interested party. Information regarding this hearing can be found at www.co.worcester.md.us
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NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of DONALD EUGENE
HOLTZAPPLE SR Estate No. 20516
Notice is given that DONALD EUGENE HOLTZAPPLE JR whose address is 925 JOHNSON ST., SALISBURY, MD 21804-3863 was on FEBRUARY 24, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of DONALD EUGENE HOLTZAPPLE SR who died on OCTOBER 20, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 24th day of AUGUST, 2025
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of
the decedent's death; or (2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/6/3t
OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20541
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit court of Fairfax County, Virginia appointed Elia James Iannelli, 13728 Fieldstone Way, Gainesville, VA 20155-6669; and Domenick Iannelli Jr., 7716 Overlook Drive, Catlett, VA 20119 as the Co-Executor of the Estate of Phoebe Isla Iannelli who died on November 22, 2024 domiciled in Virginia, USA.
The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Michele Iannelli Willis whose address is 13 Manda Ct., Middletown, MD 21769-7851.
At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.
All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.
Elia James Iannelli Domenick Iannelli Jr. Foreign Personal Representatives Terri Westcott Register of Wills
One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of Newspaper: Ocean City Digest
Date of first publication: March 06, 2025
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PETER S. BUAS, ESQ. WILLIAMS, MOORE, SHOCKLEY & HARRISON, LLP 3509 COASTAL HIGHWAY OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 NOTICE
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of BARBARA DAVID - TUBBS Estate No. 20554 Notice is given that CHRISTINE M JONES whose address is 323 BUTTERCUP CT BERLIN, MD 21811-1190, JOHN F JONES whose address is 323 BUTTERCUP CT BERLIN, MD 218111190 were on FEBRUARY 28, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of BARBARA DAVIDTUBBS who died on FEBRUARY 11, 2025 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 28th day of AUGUST, 2025
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/6/3t _________________________________
GAIL R. KAHAN 2500 LINDENWOOD DR. OLNEY, MD 20832-1549
TO CREDITORS OF APPOINTMENT OF FOREIGN PERSONAL REPRESENTATIVE ESTATE NO. 20549
NOTICE IS GIVEN that the Circuit court of Cook County, Illinois appointed Arnold B. Mellits, 1595 Dunwoody Club Xing, Atlanta, GA 30338-3400 as the Executor of the Estate of Janet Gloria Mellits who died on September 29, 2024 domiciled in Illinois, USA.
The Maryland resident agent for service of process is Gail R. Kahan whose address is 2500 Lindenwood Dr., Olney, MD 20832-1549.
At the time of death, the decedent owned real or leasehold property in the following Maryland counties: Worcester County.
All persons having claims against the decedent must file their claims with the Register of Wills for Worcester County with a copy to the foreign personal representative on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the foreign personal representative mails or delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Claims filed after that date or after a date extended by law will be barred.
Arnold B. Mellits
Foreign Personal Representative Terri Westcott Register of Wills
One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of Newspaper:
Ocean City Digest
Date of first publication: March 06, 2025
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of Self Storage Sale
Please take notice Main Street Storage located at 9842 Main Street, Berlin, MD, 21811 intends to hold a public sale to the highest bidder of the property stored by the following tenants at the storage facility. The sale will occur as an online auction via www.lockerfox.com on 3/19/2025 at 10:00AM. This sale may be withdrawn at any time without notice. Certain terms and conditions apply.
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RACHEL B. HARRIS ESQ. P.O. BOX 62 POCOMOKE CITY, MD 21851-0062
OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20558 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF SUZANNE J. STEVENSON
Notice is given that Teresa Searing, 8253 Sea Biscuit Rd., Snow Hill, MD 21863-4306, was on March 03, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Suzanne J. Stevenson who died on January 10, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 3rd day of September, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written no-
tice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Teresa Searing Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication:
March 13, 2025
KHURRAM RIAZ
429 W. Market Street Snow Hill, MD 21863 Plaintiff, v.
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STEPHEN E SCHOOLFIELD
111 Oak Street Pocomoke, MD 21851 Defendant, And
L. DEAN GUY 1621 Colona Road Pocomoke City, MD 21851 Defendant And DEBORAH GUY 1621 Colona Road Pocomoke City, MD 21851 Defendant And JEFFREY M. RUBEN
TRUSTEE
500 Delaware A venue Wilmington, DE 19801 Defendant And
WORCESTER COUNTY
Attn: Phil Thompson I West Market Street, Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863, Defendant, and ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PROPERTY SITUATE IN WORCESTER CO, MD DESCRIBED AS: 5848 Sq Ft Side 111 Oak St Pocomoke, Tax Account# 01-015974, Defendant. IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY, MARYLAND
Case No.: C-23-CV-25-000059
The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: Account No. 01-015974, Property description 5848 Sq Ft N Side 111 Oak St Pocomoke, Deed Reference: 2933/479, Assessed to Stephen E Schoolfield and Ruden Fletcher, and
owned by Stephen E School field. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid. It is, thereupon this 5th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, ORDERED that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 4th day of May, 2025, and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff title, free and clear of all encumbrances.
Beau H. Oglesby Judge, Circuit Court for Worcester County True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD OCD-3/13/3t
ESP HOLDINGS CORPORATION
10809 Roland Parks Road
Deal Island, MD 2 I 821 Plaintiff, v. KARE L TRUITT
3118 Normandy Woods Drive, Apt. H
Ellicott City, MD 21043 Defendant, And
WORCESTER COUNTY
Attn: Phil Thompson 1 West Market Street, Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863, Defendant, and
ALL PERSONS THAT HAVE OR CLAIM TO HAVE ANY INTEREST IN PROPERTY SITUATE IN WORCESTER CO, MD DESCRIBED AS: 2.125 ACS 210 Purnell & Belt STS, Snow Hill, Tax Account# 02-022710, Defendant.
IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUTY, MARYLAND
Case No.: C-23-CV-25-000030
The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption in the following property described below and located in Worcester County, sold by the Collector of Taxes for the County of Worcester and the State of Maryland to the Plaintiff in this proceeding: Account No. 02-022710, Property description 2.125 Acs 210 Purnell & Belt Streets, Snow Hill, MD 21863, Deed Reference: 4309/707, Assessed to Karen L. Truitt. The Complaint states, among other things, that the amounts necessary for redemption have not been paid.
It is, thereupon this 7th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Maryland, ORDERED that notice be given by the insertion of a copy of this order in some newspaper having a
general circulation in Worcester County, Maryland once a week for three (3) successive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 6th of May, 2025 and redeem the property described above and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property, and vesting in the Plaintiff title, free and clear of all encumbrances.
Brian D. Shockley Judge, Circuit Court for Worcester County True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD
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of Public Hearing
Amendment to Worcester County Water and Sewerage Plan
Ocean Downs Sanitary Area
Mystic Harbour Sanitary AreaRiddle Farm Sanitary Area Berlin, Maryland
The Worcester County Commissioners will hold public hearings to consider applications filed by the Department of Environmental Programs. The first amendment, for the Ocean Downs Casino, seeks to revise water system in the Master Water and Sewerage Plan (The Plan). Those changes would include a revision to a water service map and a revised water system for the casino. The Casino desires to replace their existing 100,000-gallon elevated steel water tank with a 150,000 gallon bolted steel ground-level storage tank. The second amendment seeks to revise certain water and wastewater system informational items for proposed capital projects in The Plan with the addition of Capital Projects and planned interconnection projects to The Plan without a change of the previously approved water and sewer boundaries. The Department of Public Works proposes to revise certain water system informational items in The Plan. Those changes would include the addition of the following capital projects 1) Interconnection of the Mystic Harbour and Riddle Farm water systems with the Herring Creek Water Main Interconnection; 2) Mystic Harbour Treated Effluent to Riddle Lagoon; 3) Sunset Avenue Relief Sewer; and 4) Mystic Harbour Water Plant and Building Rehabilitation. The Worcester County Planning Commission reviewed the proposed Water and Sewerage Plan amendments at their meeting of February 6, 2025, and found them to be consistent with the Worcester County Comprehensive Plan.
The public hearing on these applications will be held on:
Tuesday, April 1, 2025 at 10:30 A.M. in the Commissioners’ Meeting Room Room 1101 – Government Center One West Market Street Snow Hill, Maryland 21863
For additional information, please contact the County Administration at (410) 632-1220 x 1601 or visit the County website at: online at www.co.worcester.md.us.
THE WORCESTER COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
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JAMES E. CLUBB JR, ESQ
108 N 8TH ST.
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842 SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of EDWIN T MASON Estate No. 20562 Notice is given that MARIA SAPP whose address is 1049 YODER DR HARTLY, DE 199532511 was on MARCH 06, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of EDWIN T MASON who died on MAY 25, 2021 without a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.
All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claims will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for WORCESTER COUNTY
ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE
SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
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VICTORIA L. O’NEILL ESQ. AYRES, JENKINS, GORDY & ALMAND P.A. 6200 COASTAL HIGHWAY, SUITE 200
OCEAN CITY, MD 21842
NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20564
TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF RITA J. VILLANI AKA: RITA JOHNSON VILLANI
Notice is given that Mark Granger, 145 E. Carroll St., Ste. 201, Salisbury, MD 21801-5454; and Harold B. Gordy Jr., 6200 Coastal Hwy., Ste. 200, Ocean City, MD 21842-6697, were on March 10, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Rita J. Villani who died on February 04, 2025, with a will. Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 10th day of September, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Mark Granger
Harold B. Gordy Jr. Personal Representatives True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County
One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest
Date of publication: March 13, 2025
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OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20547 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF WALTER E. POVLOSKI
AKA: WALTER EMIL POVLOSKI
Notice is given that Christopher Povloski, 48 Martinique Cir., Ocean Pines, MD 21811-1703, was on March 07, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of Walter E. Povloski who died on January 22, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills
on or before the 7th day of September, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Christopher Povloski Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: March 13, 2025
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OF APPOINTMENT
NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS Estate No. 20563 TO ALL PERSONS INTERESTED IN THE ESTATE OF DAVID BRYAN CROUSE
Notice is given that Paul Crouse, 25193 Leland Ave., Harbeson, DE 19951-0309, was on March 07, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of David Bryan Crouse who died on February 26, 2025, with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent’s will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of September, 2025.
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date,
or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
Paul Crouse Personal Representative True Test Copy Terri Westcott Register of Wills for Worcester County One W. Market Street Room 102 - Court House Snow Hill, MD 21863-1074
Name of newspaper designated by personal representative: Ocean City Digest Date of publication: March 13, 2025
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OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of MARK DOUGHTY AKA: MARK DERICK DOUGHTY Estate No. 20552 Notice is given that DAWN DOUGHTY whose address is 10960 SW 219TH ST., MIAMI, FL 33170-3058 was on MARCH 07, 2025 appointed Personal Representative of the estate of MARK DOUGHTY who died on JANUARY 20, 2025 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment (or to the probate of the decedent's will) shall file their objections with the Register of Wills on or before the 7th day of SEPTEMBER, 2025
Any person having a claim against the decedent must present the claim to the undersigned personal representative or file it with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent's death; or
(2) Two months after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claims within two months from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. A claim not presented or filed on or before that date, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter. Claim forms may be obtained from the Register of Wills.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074
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SMALL ESTATE NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT NOTICE TO CREDITORS
NOTICE TO UNKNOWN HEIRS
To all persons interested in the estate of JOHN WILLIAM ROPER Estate No. 20557 Notice is given that JOHN MICHAEL ROPER whose
address is 2401 PHILADELPHIA AVE., UNIT 111, OCEAN CITY, MD 21842-3423 was on MARCH 03, 2025 appointed personal representative(s) of the small estate of JOHN WILLIAM ROPER who died on FEBRUARY 17, 2024 with a will.
Further information can be obtained by reviewing the estate file in the office of the Register of Wills or by contacting the personal representative or the attorney.
All persons having any objection to the appointment shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within 30 days after the date of publication of this Notice. All persons having an objection to the probate of the will shall file their objections with the Register of Wills within six months after the date of publication of this Notice.
All persons having claims against the decedent must serve their claims on the undersigned personal representative or file them with the Register of Wills with a copy to the undersigned on or before the earlier of the following dates:
(1) Six months from the date of the decedent’s death; or
(2) Thirty days after the personal representative mails or otherwise delivers to the creditor a copy of this published notice or other written notice, notifying the creditor that the claim will be barred unless the creditor presents the claim within thirty days from the mailing or other delivery of the notice. Any claim not served or filed within that time, or any extension provided by law, is unenforceable thereafter.
TERRI WESTCOTT, Register of Wills for Worcester County ONE W MARKET STREET ROOM 102 - COURT HOUSE SNOW HILL, MD 21863-1074 OCD-3/13/1t
Tax Lien Hedge, LLC
C/O Eskin Law, LLC 1700 Reisterstown Road, Suite 212 Baltimore, MD 21208
Plaintiff
v.
Joseph R. Kane
P.O. Box 1329 Rehoboth Beach, DE 19971 and State of Maryland Office of the Attorney General
S/O Anthony G. Brown, Attorney General 200 Saint Paul Place Baltimore, MD 21202 and Worcester County Treasurer's Office
S/O Phillip G. Thompson, Collector 1 W. Market St. Room 1105 Snow Hill, MD 21863 410-632-0686 and
All unknown owners of the property described Below; all heirs, devisees, personal representatives, and executors, administrators, grantees, assigns or successors in right, title, interest, and any and all persons having or claiming to have
any interest in the property and premises situate in the Worcester County, known as 207 E. Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 2 I 863, and described as Legal Description 70' X 150' 207 E MARKET ST SNOW HILL Being known as District 02 Account Number 024438 on the Tax Roll of the Collector of Taxes. Defendants IN THE CIRCUIT COURT FOR WORCESTER COUNTY CASE NO.: C-23-CV-25-000070
The object of this proceeding is to secure the foreclosure of all rights of redemption from tax sale on the property known as 207 E. Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863, in
Worcester County, State of Maryland, sold by the Director of Treasury for Worcester County, State of Maryland to Tax Lien Hedge, LLC, the Plaintiff.
A DESCRIPTION of the property in substantially the same form as the description appearing on the Certificate of Tax Sale is as follows: Legal Description 70' X 150' 207 E MARKET ST SNOW HILL, District 02 Account umber 024438 Known as 207 E. Market Street, Snow Hill, MD 21863.
The complaint states among other things that the amount necessary for redemption has not been paid.
It is thereupon this 10th of March, 2025, by the Circuit Court for Worcester County, Ordered, that notice be given by the insertion of a
copy of this Order in some newspaper having a general circulation in Worcester County once a week for three consecutive weeks, warning all persons interested in the property to appear in this Court by the 10th day of May, 2025, and redeem the property and answer the Complaint or thereafter a final judgment will be entered foreclosing all rights of redemption in the property and vesting in the Plaintiff a title to said property in Fee Simple, free of all liens and encumbrances.
Beau H. Oglesby Judge
True Copy Test: Susan R. Braniecki Clerk of the Circuit Court Worcester County MD
OCD-3/13/3t
On Wednesday, March 5, Worcester Preparatory School teachers Annie Seipp and Cynthia Phillips and their students presented members of the Atlantic General Hospital Foundation with a $431 donation raised from the annual 3rd Grade Bread Sale. The annual sale is part of a hands-on learning lesson combining English, Science, Social Studies (civics and community), Mathematics, and Philanthropy. The project is modeled like a small business, with the young entrepreneurs baking bread, selling it to Lower School classmates in a “café”, and donating the proceeds to charity. The third grade class is pictured with their teachers as well as Head of Lower School Dr. Sara Timmons (second row, far left); and, back from left, Steve Green, AGH Foundation Board past chair and members of the WPS Board of Trustees; Michael Cylc, AGH Foundation Board treasurer; Hillary Mozeik, AGH Foundation assistant; Ryan Kirby, AGH Foundation Board vice chair; Laura Powell, AGH Foundation community relations officer; and Jessica Jersey, AGH Foundation donor relations officer.
Friday 24pm 10300 Coastal Hwy
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Friday 3-5pm 11605 Seawar
Saturrdday 10am-1pm 11421 Cr
Landon/Coldwell B 421 Manklin Crreeek Rd., Ocean Pines 3BR/2BA
Saturrdday 11am-1pm 27035 Bluf
Jeffrffreey Messick/BHHS P 035 Bay Blufff f Rd. Bayside, Selbyville 6BR/3.5BA
Saturrdday 11am-1pm 722
Michele Pompa/Coldwell 22 139th St. Unit 722B, Ocean City 3BR/3.5BA T
Saturrdday 11am-1pm 13 91st
Michele Pompa/Coldwell 1st St. #305 T Taahitian
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Saturrdday 11am-1pm 13 91st
Saturrdday 1-3pm
10am-Noon 142nd
10am-Noon
The Ocean City Surf Club will award $40,000 in scholarships this spring to graduates.
The club is offering the Environmental Scholarship for $10,000, the Leadership Scholarship for $10,000 and two David Fey Memorial Scholarships, each in the amount of $10,000.
Applicants must be a student in the Worcester County School system (public or private), graduating high school in the spring of 2025. These scholarships are valid for four-year, two-year college or universities and trade schools.
All applications and requested materials must be mailed to us at Ocean City Surf Club PO Box 4752, Ocean City, Md. 21843. The deadline for applications is April 15, 2025.
To apply click this link https://ocsurfclub.org/programs/scholarships/ or visit our website www.ocsurfclub.org
In World War II, 150,000 American women had enlisted in the military, but only 4% were African American. Initially, Black women were not allowed to serve in the Women’s Army Corps (WAC), but pressure from activists like Mary McLeod Bethune
changed this.
This effort paved the way for the creation of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black battalion in the WAC under the command of Major Charity Adams that was tasked with various support roles including postal work.
In February 1945, the 6888th Battalion was sent to Europe to sort an estimated 17 million pieces of mail. In doing so, they became the first and only all Black WAC unit sent overseas. Out of the 855 women that served in the 6888th, 19 have connections to Maryland, four of which had ties to the Eastern Shore.
In Maryland, March 9 was declared the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion Day. March is also Women’s History Month.
To celebrate, the Beach to Bay Heritage Area, the Heart of the Chesapeake Heritage Area and the Maryland250 Commission are planning a program on the women from the 6888th from the shore to be held at the Charles Chipman Center in Salisbury on March 19 at 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. Dr. Clara Small, Emerita Professor of History at Salisbury University, will be leading the program. To learn more visit BeachesBaysWaterWays on Facebook ot email info@beachesbayswaterways.org for more information.
The Mayor and Town Council of Snow Hill have announced the resignation of Central District Council member Diana Walsh, effective March 7. The seat is subject to the coming regular town election on May 6 but the Town Charter requires the Mayor and Council appoint someone to fill the vacancy until the end of the current term on June 10.
Mayor Janet Simpson, joined by Council members Margaret Ann Fletcher (Western District) and Edward S. Lee (Eastern District), met in closed session on Tuesday and discussed with the town attorney the proper way of addressing the vacancy. The Mayor and Council have 45 days from the date of the vacancy “to elect a suitable, qualified person to serve until the next regular election.”
To qualify for service on the threemember council, a person must be a qualified town voter, a permanent resident of Snow Hill for at least one year, be at least 18 years old and not be convicted of several listed crimes.
At the meeting this week, the Mayor and Council decided to send a post card to all residents of the Central District inviting them to apply for appointment to fill the unexpired term of the Central District seat. Interviews Continued on Page 66
City’s best dining, shopping & entertainment. Property offers perfect blend of relaxation & convenience.
Unique opportunity to own a commercial/B-1 zoned lot in the heart of Berlin's Town Center District. This pie-shaped lot conveys with two EDU's and will allow for various uses including retail, service establishments, hair salons, florists, restaurants, cafes (to include outdoor dining), short-term rental/Airbnb, antique or gift shops, etc. This zoning also allows for dwellings above street level floors where street level floors are utilized for commercial, retail or other uses. (See the town B-1 zoning code definition for more info.) The property was most recently operated as The Berlin Commons, a privately owned community green space. The seller is willing to share their renderings for a proposed building upon request.
with those applying will be held.
More than $600,000 in scholarships are available for area students through the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore.
The foundation, which awarded scholarships to over 400 students last year, has recently opened applications on their website. Many of the scholarships have an April 1 deadline.
The foundation offers a wide variety of scholarships, each with unique criteria. Some scholarships are based on the student’s prospective area of study, such as education, STEM, or trades like HVAC repair, welding, and culinary arts. Other Foundation scholarship criteria prioritize a student’s high school affiliation, GPA, athletic activities, organizational memberships, or community service.
“Students should not assume that scholarships aren’t for them,” explains Cathy Diekmann, CFES Director of Scholarships & Community Engagement.
“Paying for college is a huge undertaking for nearly every student, but there are a variety of resources to help. School guidance counselors, the financial aid office at your chosen college, and mentors can guide stu-
dents toward scholarship opportunities.”
For a list of scholarships, criteria, and applications, visit CFES.org/scholarships.
Maryland’s sports wagering market completed its ninth-best month in February, generating $6,350,174 in contributions to the state.
Through the first eight months of FY2025 (July 2024 through February 2025), sports wagering has contributed $61,171,291 to the state compared to $37,051,266 for the same period in FY2024.
The total of nearly $61.2 million in state contributions through eight months of FY2025 has surpassed the FY2024 full-year total of $60.3 million. Contributions to the state from sports wagering are directed to the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future Fund, which supports education programs.
Sports bettors in Maryland wagered $475,708,504 during February 2025 and won back $415,733,938 in prizes. Maryland had 11 mobile sports wagering platforms and 13 retail sportsbook locations that operated during February. The Greene Turtle/betParx retail sportsbook in Towson ceased operations on Feb. 9, leaving 12 retail locations currently active. Continued from Page 65
(March 14, 2025) As Ocean City celebrates its 150th anniversary, the resort has dedicated March to honoring the remarkable women who have shaped its past, present and future. In recognition of Women’s History Month, Ocean City Tourism is spotlighting the trailblazing women whose resilience and leadership have left a lasting impact on the community.
One of the key highlights of this month’s celebrations is March’s Mobile Museum Exhibit, which showcases the Petticoat Regime — a group of pioneering women instrumental in Ocean City’s early tourism industry — and the Steel Magnolias, whose dedication in the 1980s helped propel the town’s hospitality sector to new heights. After making appearances at the HMRA Trade Show and the OC Film Festival, the Mobile Museum will be on display at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center throughout the month, offering visitors a unique glimpse into Ocean City’s rich history through the lens of these influential women.
Adding to the excitement, Ocean City welcomes Rachel Druckenmiller, a Maryland native and one of The Daily Record’s Top 100 Women, for an interactive workshop at the Convention Center on Friday, March 14.
The workshop, Charting the Course: Co-Creating a Shared Vision for Ocean City’s Tomorrow, invites community members to explore the present, envision the future and develop actionable steps to strengthen the town’s legacy. This inspiring and dynamic session is free to attend, from 10 a.m. to noon, with registration available at ococean.com/150.
To further celebrate the role of women in Ocean City’s history, Ocean City Tourism is partnering with the Maryland Tourism Coalition for a historic walk on May 8. Taking place during National Travel and Tourism Week, this event will bring history to life, highlighting the Petticoat Regime and their pivotal role in shaping Ocean City’s early development.
The tour begins at the Ocean City LifeSaving Station Museum and will journey through five historic establishments, offering a firsthand look at the contributions of these trailblazing women.
“The history of tourism in Maryland would not be what it is today without the incredible contributions of women, and Ocean City’s story is a prime example of that,” said Ruth Toomey, Executive Director of the Maryland Tourism Coalition. “From the early pioneers who built the foundation of hospitality in Ocean City to the women leading the industry today, this historic walk is a wonderful way to honor their legacies and inspire future generations.”
Ocean City’s 150th Anniversary festivities extend beyond history and leadership. For full schedule of anniversary events and the latest updates, visit ococean.com/150 and follow @oceancitymaryland on social media.
By Tara Fischer Staff Writer
(March 14, 2025) The Berlin-based youth support organization The CRICKET Center is rolling out a rebrand, complete with a new logo, a fresh website, and a change in name to the Worcester County Child Advocacy Center, as it works to provide resources to juveniles in the area.
As part of The CRICKET Center’s efforts to revamp itself, the group has changed its name to The Worcester County Child Advocacy Center. Lauren Cooper, executive director, said this modification was made to provide a clearer picture to the community of the organization’s youth and family support mission and make it a more recognizable presence throughout the county.
“These changes are about ensuring
that every child, family, and partner agency knows who we are, what we do, and how we can help,” Cooper said.
“Our commitment to protecting children in Worcester County remains the same, but our ability to serve is stronger than ever.”
The center aids juveniles within the community. Programs include forensic interviews for children to share their stories in a “safe, supportive environment,” advocating for legal action against child abuse perpetrators, mental health services, collaboration with agencies that aid child victims and their families during investigations, and child abuse protection.
Of these projects is human trafficking education. Each year, the center partners with the Worcester County Sheriff’s Office and the Life Crisis Center to pro-
vide this type of community outreach. Criminal justice interns from Worcester Technical High School were selected to be a part of the program, and they, through research and in collaboration with mentors, create lectures that are given to middle and high school students throughout the area.
The demonstrations highlight the use of artificial intelligence, sextortion and grooming as it relates to human trafficking. Messages are provided on how to identify abuse and recognize trafficking in the community and how to go about reporting these situations. Along with the students, parents and guardians are encouraged to attend.
Cooper noted that advances in AI have been used as tactics to exploit and prey on vulnerable populations.
“What we’re seeing is a lot of victims
that don’t even know they’re victims because their pictures are on the internet, and they don’t know how they got there,” Cooper said. “Some of it is selfgenerated [AI], but a lot of it is synthetic AI. There’s a lot of dangerous stuff on the internet these days.”
The executive director added that the increased access to technology and the internet has given predators new channels to victimize others, particularly children.
“Kids as young as eight have cell phones now,” she said. “Being connected just to Wi-Fi is a dangerous place. Predators know exactly how to target these kids, whether it’s through apps or games that they’re playing that we as parents may think are innocent, but that’s exactly how they’re being targeted.”
In addition to the new name, the center is changing its logo. Cooper said that officials have chosen blue, which was “very intentional,” as it represents child abuse awareness. Waves and a surfboard have also been incorporated to capture the uniqueness of Worcester County’s coastal aesthetic.
“We wanted to make it child friendly, capture the blue, make it refined and refreshed and also tie it back to the area we serve,” Cooper said.
Officials hope the symbol, website, and name rebrand will encourage even greater community participation. The organization’s staff wants Worcester County residents to know that they are here to help and can provide mental health and advocacy services to child victims and their families if necessary.
“With this re-brand comes an opportunity for renewed and greater awareness in our community, along with an opportunity to promote and share our work with those who may not fully be aware of all the CAC (Child Advocacy Center) has to offer,” said Christina Fohner, president of the group’s board of directors.
In addition to the logo and name change, the organization brought on a facility dog late last year to comfort its visitors. The two-year-old black Labrador retriever, Belle, was adopted from Hero Dogs and is authorized to sit with children during forensic interviews, medical exams, and therapy services and join the kids in court if they must testify or sit near their abuser.
“Belle’s job is to provide comfort,” Cooper said. “She has a couple of commands that she follows. She can rest her head on the child’s lap, just to help reduce any anxiety that they’re feeling and then any sort of retraumatization that they feel when they have to talk about the events that happened to them.”
The center has three handlers for Belle. Cooper said this guarantees that should someone be gone for any reason, there is always backup to ensure the children can access the dog.
“[The kids] come here on their first day for their forensic interviewer, meet Belle, and then they’re going to ask
about her down the road,” the executive director said. “They want her there for therapy and their court day. They build a relationship with her, which is really nice to see. So, with three handlers, we can accommodate the child’s schedule.”
While Belle has already been around the kids and has sat with them during forensic interviews, she is working on finalizing her service training, particularly for courtroom presence.
The CAC continues to expand its services. According to Cooper, a new center in Pocomoke was opened last April. The executive director maintained that this move has allowed staff to provide their offerings, like therapy and mental health support, to children and families in the southern end of Worcester County. The primary and previously only facility is in Berlin. While the northern county residents could easily access the CAC, families a little further away had trouble utilizing the center’s services before the adjustment.
Cooper said that before the new facility was created, the center noticed low participation from southern Worcester County residents. The transportation burden was the main barrier. Now, the advocacy team can help a broader scope of children directly out of the Pocomoke Office.
“Just by having a presence in Pocomoke, people use us as a resource,”
Cooper said. “Whether it’s to report abuse, call us and ask questions about maybe abuse that they think they see in the community.”
Cooper added that the center’s ability to meet these individuals where they are is vital to enhancing its services and aligning with its mission of being an essential resource in Worcester County.
“Being able to actually deliver the service to them in their own community is the biggest impact we’ve had because before if you were living in Pocomoke, you’d have to drive 30 miles north to get a forensic interview or to participate in therapy or get a medical evaluation or meet with members of our team for welfare checks or advocacy appointments,” Cooper said. “Now, our team can come to them in their own community so they do not have to disrupt children’s lives and take them out of school for appointments. It’s a lot more convenient for them.”
Community representatives are excited about the CAC’s fresh branding. State’s Attorney Kris Heiser, whose office collaborates with the child advocacy group, said the new logo and name were created with “input from the entire CAC team, including the prosecutors, social workers, detectives, family advocates, and therapists who all work on these difficult child abuse and neglect cases every day.”
“I also have to thank [Cooper] for her tireless work in securing equipment and services for law enforcement and prosecutors to help us build the strongest cases possible and set the entire team up for success in our mission,” Heiser said.
The CAC group is looking ahead and is excited to strengthen its community presence. The advocacy group is hosting its 12th annual Walk for Kids on the Ocean City Boardwalk on Saturday, April 26. Participants are encouraged to gather a team, and businesses may donate gifts to be used as raffle or auction prizes.
More information about the center can be found on its official website at worcestercac.org.
“There truly is so much good being done at the CAC,” Heiser said. “There is always more to do, especially in these challenging and trauma-filled cases, but
we are proud that all of our CAC partners are more dedicated than ever to the mission. We are grateful to have such dedicated people working to keep Worcester County kids safe.”
By Deborah Lee Walker Contributing Writer
(March 14, 2025) Saint Patrick’s Day is finally here.
Many refer to Saint Patrick’s Day as Saint Paddy’s Day or Saint Patty’s Day. Specificity is the basis for clarity and should be addressed.
According to The Correct Name, Merriam-Webster, St Patrick’s Day, while originally a feast for the patron saint who brought Christianity to Ireland, has evolved into secular merriment of Irish heritage.
As St. Patrick’s Day gained popularity, St. Paddy’s Day has been accepted as a nickname since Patrick is the Anglicized form of Padriag, also known as Paidin, and Paddy.
Whether one calls the famous day: Saint Patrick’s Day, St. Paddy’s Day, or St. Patty’s Day, one thing is for sure, corned beef and cabbage is the blue-plate special. Has one ever wondered how the famous dish became associated with the Irish?
During the time of the Irish immigration to the United Sates, the immigrants took up residence in the Jewish neighborhoods.
It was important for the first generation
of
Irish-Americans to cook comforting dishes that reminded them of their homeland. But the high price of pork negated any chance for daily consumption.
Jewish traditions prevented the partaking of pork and therefore curing cheap cuts of beef became a staple. Camaraderie is a good thing, and the Irish learned how to cure brisket. Cabbage was inexpensive, so boiled cabbage was added for a hearty meal.
Not everyone relishes the thought of corned beef and cabbage. While fish n chips are an English tradition, it is also very popular with the Irish and can be found on most pub menus.
Before we can discuss the art of frying, we need to talk about the fish itself. Cod, rockfish, flounder, tilapia, catfish, and haddock are good choices as they cook evenly and can stand up to the frying process.
Personally, I prefer thicker filets to thinner ones. The ratio of fish to batter is more pleasing to the palette and the contrast in texture allows the actual flavor of the fish to be the star.
Batters are as numerous as the types of fish. A water and four batter is as basic as it gets. If you replace some of the water with beer, the flavor profile changes to a more interesting coating.
The addition of baking soda lightens the batter. It is important to note to allow excess batter to drip off. Otherwise, you
will end up with a thick batter that will separate from the protein which does not look attractive.
The piece de resistance is to dredge the battered fish in a coating of flour and panko breadcrumbs. This seals the coating and the panko takes crispiness to another level.
An iron skillet and canola oil are the perfect match for fabulous frying. Three hundred and seventy-five degrees is the desired temperature. Do not overcrowd the pan with fish or the temperature of the oil will drop which yields soggy and greasy fish.
Beer battered fish can be served as an entrée or cut into bite size pieces for an appetizer.
Either way, Irish beer battered fish with lemon, herb aioli continues the theme of St. Patrick’s Day and end with a toast, “Slainte (good health).” Enjoy!
2 pounds favorite fish
1 cup cold lager beer
¾ cup cold water
3 cups all-purpose flour, divided
1 ½ cups unseasoned panko breadcrumbs
½ teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon kosher salt, plus extra as needed
canola oil
1. While preparing fish to the desired portion, heat enough canola oil to cover fish by one-inch. Allow oil to reach a temperature of 375 degrees.
2. Dredging station: Add beer, water, 2 cups of flour, salt, and baking soda to first pie plate.
Whisk batter until there are no lumps. Add remaining flour and panko to second pie plate, mix well.
3. Dip fish in beer batter, and then in panko mixture. Fry until both sides are golden brown. Place on a cooling rack and add a dusting of kosher salt.
Lemon, Herb Aioli
¾ cup mayonnaise
½ teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons fresh favorite herbs such as dill, parsley, basil, oregano, chives
1. Place ingredients in a food processor and pulse until ingredients are blended and smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Secret Ingredient = Luck Diligence is the mother of good luck. — Benjamin Franklin
By Michael Todd Contributing Writer
(March 14, 2025) This week we recognize Ocean City Volunteer Fire Company member Mark Wilson, whose dedication to public service extends from the fire department to preserving history.
A 2015 graduate of Worcester Preparatory School, Wilson continued his education at Salisbury University, earning a Bachelor of Arts in history with a minor in art in 2019. His academic background has served him well in his professional career as a historian. From October 2019 to November 2023, Wilson worked as a historical interpreter/historian at the Fort Miles Museum in Lewes, Delaware, for the Delaware State Parks.
Since November 2023, he has served as the lead historical interpreter/historian at the Zwaanendael Museum in Lewes for the Delaware Division of Historical and Cultural Affairs.
Wilson’s journey with OCVFC began in May 2016, inspired by a best friend who was already serving as a cadet while they attended Worcester Prep together.
“The final push that inspired me to join was a desire to serve and help others,” Wilson shares. “I was unable to serve in the U.S. Military due to a heart condition I was born with, but the fire service has given me a chance to serve and help others, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.”
Since May 2020, Wilson has served as a fire policeman for both the fire company and Worcester County, finding ways to contribute despite physical limitations.
“They recognized that due to my heart condition I cannot do everything like others can, and because of this they have always looked and helped me find other ways to serve within the OCVFC,” he says of his mentors.
Two calls particularly stand out in Wilson’s memory.
The first was a structure fire at Caliber Collision on Route 50 in January 2019, notable for the challenging snowy and frigid conditions.
The second was the dramatic motor vehicle accident on the Route 90 bridge in May 2021, where a truck was left hanging partially over the bridge guardrail and a young girl fell into the bay below to be rescued by a Good Samaritan, who came to be known as the “humble hero” locally.
“What makes the call stand out was hearing it come out over the radio. In the first few minutes, it felt like the response was being upgraded every few minutes. It was amazing to see the response from all of the firefighters,” Wilson said.
Wilson’s contributions to OCVFC extend beyond emergency response. He has served on the gear/equipment/uniform committee and has used his artistic talents to create drawings of previous
and current apparatus used by the fire company.
His dedication was recognized when he received the 2022 OCVFC Member of the Year Award.
Among his most memorable experiences with fellow OCVFC members was participating in an honor guard for a fallen service member being escorted home to Virginia from Dover Air Force Base.
“We took Tower 5 and draped the American flag over Route 113 from the Route 90 overpass,” Wilson recalls. “It’s hard to describe the emotions going through your head as the escort passed under us, but it remains an honor being able to pay our respects to someone who sacrificed everything for our country and help to get them home.”
Wilson’s commitment to the fire service continues a family legacy. His uncle was a life member of the Seaford Volunteer Fire Company in Delaware and served as a police officer until his passing when Wilson was in elementary school.
“He has always been someone I looked up to, and serving in the OCVFC has been an opportunity to continue a family commitment to helping others.”
For those considering joining the fire service, Wilson offers this advice:
“Never be afraid to learn or try something new and remember that not everyone can do everything, but everyone can do something; we all have something that we can bring to the table,” Wilson said. “I would also say never be afraid to ask for help. There is always someone in the fire service there to listen, offer guidance, and help with whatever you may need. The fire service truly is a family.”
What makes OCVFC special to Wilson is its inclusive membership opportunities.
“We have members who live in OC or the surrounding area permanently as well as those from other states who come to OC to volunteer their time. There are numerous opportunities and ways to serve with the OCVFC,” he said.
We thank Mark for his dedicated service to OCVFC and for demonstrating that there are many valuable ways to contribute to the fire service and community.
For membership information or to learn more about your volunteer fire company, visit ocvfc.com.
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Motel-Restaurant Association (OCHMRA), will give the company two months to explore the legal vehicle for bringing the district to fruition.
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 14, 2025) Using funds from the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association, Ocean City officials this week agreed to enter into a shortterm contract with the consulting firm Civitas, which will assist the city in researching the creation of a tourism improvement district (TID).
On Tuesday, the City Council agreed enter into a contract with Civitas to begin research on an an alternative funding source for the construction of a proposed sports complex. The $16,000 contract, funded by the Ocean City Hotel-
“It’s just the initial phase to determine whether or not you want to proceed with a TID,” Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo told the council this week.
In December, the mayor and council, at the recommendation of the Ocean City Sports Complex Task Force, agreed to explore a TID, in which businesses would be charged a fee, or tax, that is then passed on to the consumer.
Revenues generated within that district would then be used to either supplement or replace the city’s plan to use room tax dollars to fund an indoor-outdoor sports complex in
northern Worcester County.
The next month, the council invited a consultant with Civitas to present officials with the concept of a TID. Following that presentation, council members voted to implement a TID and to have staff come back with a draft contract for Civitas’s services, which was presented on Tuesday.
“Basically, it’s to research the legal authority, take a look at the local laws and statutory provisions, develop a policy and put some sort of draft together,” Perlozzo said.
Perlozzo told council members, however, there were no dedicated funds for the project.
“We don’t have any money in our sports funding account,” he explained. “So, it would either have to be funded through another way, or a private source.”
City Manager Terry McGean agreed.
“Essentially, the way this works is it gives us two months to know what we need to do,” he said. “And beyond that, you are basically paying them $8,000 a month to assist us, depending on how much assistance we need.”
McGean explained that Civitias would use the next two months to determine what laws, if any, may need to be changed in order for Ocean City to implement a TID. From there, the city can decide whether it wants to extend its contract.
“There’s a lot of unknowns about which laws specifically may have to be changed,” he said. “We may be able to do it with local law changes, in which case the cost to implement it would be significantly less than if it’s determined we have to have the state law change.”
During the discussion, OCHMRA Executive Director Susan Jones offered her organization’s support. She said she wanted to see a sports complex under construction sooner rather than later.
“We do support this, and if you need $16,000 to get this contract going, my board said we have a lot of investment funds that need to be used,” she said.
After further discussion, the council voted unanimously to enter into a two-month contract with Civitas, using a $16,000 contribution from the OCHMRA.
By Lauren Bunting Contributing Writer
(March 14, 2025) Wherever you buy a home in the United States, property taxes are a reality of homeownership. Below are the basics about property taxes and information on our local tax rates.
Property taxes are charges on your land and property, based on the value of your property, levied by your local government. The revenue generated is often used to fund community needs such as schools, police and fire departments, and road maintenance. Some states also tax per-
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 14, 2025) Ocean City government’s planners and inspectors say they are making every effort to ensure properties comply with city codes.
During Tuesday’s work session, Planning and Community Development Director George Bendler and Chief Building Official Shawn Nave came before the mayor and City Council to provide an update on the department’s property maintenance code compliance process.
Bendler said inspectors are out in the field to ensure all properties, including rentals and city buildings, are safe for residents and visitors.
“We’re looking for any direction or guidance the mayor and council may have for us and what we can do to improve upon what we’re doing,” he said.
Bendler noted that code enforcement and compliance was identified in the city’s strategic plan as a high priority. In keeping with that priority, he said the city’s planning and community development department, in conjunction with the fire marshal’s office, engineering and public works, are working to address issues throughout town.
“What our department’s priorities are, safety is our number one,” he said. “When we are in the field that is absolutely what we are focused on.”
Bendler said city personnel are conducting field evaluations, driving around neighborhoods to identify any noncompliant properties. He added that the city also relies on its Citizen Reporter program, an online
sonal property, such as cars and boats.
Real estate listings, usually from your local multiple listing service, typically include information on a property’s annual taxes. You can also pull tax records through county websites, which will also show you when the property was last reassessed. Depending on the location, the assessed value — which is different from and generally less than the market value — of the property may increase based on the amount you pay for it.
Tax rates vary widely depending on where you live. The current county tax rate is $0.845 per $100 of assessed value. Worcester County collects the real property tax for the
State of Maryland on properties located in Worcester County. The current State of Maryland tax rate is $0.112 per $100 of assessed value.
Annual bills are mailed each July, with a six-month new construction billing each January. A discount of 0.5% of the county tax is allowed for payments made in the month of July. The tax bill becomes delinquent on October 1 and is subject to interest at the rate of 1% per month until paid.
If your property is your principal residence, state legislation allows the payment of property tax bills on a semi-annual basis. State legislation also allows semi-annual payments for businesses with taxes not exceeding $100,000. The first installment becomes delinquent on October 1.
The second semi-annual payment is due December 1. Interest begins January 1. Worcester County collects the real property tax for the towns of Berlin, Snow Hill, Pocomoke, and Ocean City. The current Berlin town tax rate is $0.8275 per $100 of assessed value. The current Snow Hill town tax rate is $0.9375 per $100 of assessed value. The Pocomoke town tax rate is $0.9375 per $100 of assessed value for owner occupied property and $1.1311 per $100 of assessed value for all other properties. The tax rate for Ocean City is $0.4426 per $100 of assessed value.
- Lauren Bunting is the Broker for Keller Williams Realty of Delmarva in Ocean City.
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program was launched in 2022, the city has received 663 anonymous tips.
“They are all documented on the website,” he said. “You can see what our inspector did, our interaction, and how it was resolved.”
Nave said most of the complaints the city received involved weeds, tall grass, and furniture left outside. However, he said it has proved to be a useful tool.
“It’s a good way for people to stay anonymous and to say what they see, so that we know about it, because we might not see it,” he said. “That way we can go out and take care of it, clean it up for everyone else’s sake.”
Bendler said staff members are also working to address derelict properties throughout town, adding that several of those properties have been demolished or redeveloped.
“We also respond when disaster strikes on buildings,” he added. “We recently had a roof come off last year, and we had some cars go into buildings. But as soon as the fire department or police get called, we are inspecting it, working with the owners and the insurance agent to make sure it’s built back code compliant and everybody’s safe, and there’s no damage to the rest of the building.”
Bendler told the council that staff
are also pursuing proactive rental inspections. He said his department would be communicating with property managers, rental agencies, the Coastal Association of Realtors and the Ocean City Hotel-Motel-Restaurant Association.
“Our campaign is getting people on the same page about our proactive rental inspections, beginning now,” he said.
Mayor Rick Meehan agreed.
“I think being proactive and wanting to get the information out in advance is positive,” he said.
Bendler also noted that staff had updated the city’s Boardwalk outdoor display ordinance, which would be presented for a first reading on April 7, and were working with other departments, including the engineering department and public works, to complete inspections and permits.
“So now all city properties are now permitted through us,” he said. “It’s fair and transparent.”
After further discussion, Meehan applauded the city staff for their work.
“I think you are making tremendous progress,” he said. “You are addressing some of those issues that we’ve been wanting to address for a long time. It looks like you have a complete plan in place, full staff –which is great – and I feel like you are moving in the right direction now.”
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By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 14, 2025) The results of a recently completed study show the need for another expansion and additional parking at Ocean City’s Roland E. Powell Convention Center.
On Tuesday, Maryland Stadium Authority’s Gary McGuigan presented to the mayor and City Council the results of the Convention Center Parking and Masterplan Study. After a lengthy discussion, the council this week agreed to pursue an economic study of a facility expansion, which could affect the placement of a new parking garage.
“The next step is to determine which conceptual master plan is the best fit for the Town of Ocean City,” McGuigan told the council this week.
In October 2023, the Maryland Stadium Authority entered into a memorandum of understanding with the Town of Ocean City to oversee a space master plan and parking demand study at the convention center.
The results of that study, released to the public on Tuesday, show the need for a 51,000-square-foot expansion in future years, as well as additional parking, which could be achieved through the construction of
a parking garage.
“The main mission was to take a look at some master plan for future physical needs at the convention center, along with parking demand and the results of the study, as well as a cost estimate for a parking structure,” McGuigan said.
McGuigan told officials this week that the number of events and attendance at the convention center had
increased in recent years to the point where activity is now surpassing prepandemic levels. As a result, the study suggested the need for another addition, which could either be placed behind the convention center, along the bay, or in front of the convention center, where the main parking lot currently exists.
McGuigan added the convention center also had a deficiency of 261 to
560 parking spaces. He said the study proposed the construction of a parking garage, which could be placed on the main lot or to the overflow lot located directly south.
“In terms of the parking garage itself, there’s phase one, which would be four levels and a net gain of 260 parking spaces,” he explained. “And phase 2, which could be done at the
same time or later, would be five levels and a much wider footprint for the parking garage itself.”
McGuigan noted the first phase of the parking garage plan, with a net gain of 260 spaces, would cost nearly $20 million, while a phase two parking garage, with a net gain of 560 spaces, would cost $33 million. For his part, City Manager Terry McGean said he recommended the phase one parking expansion.
“The bottom line is if we are going to move forward with this project … the state does not participate in parking garage construction,” he said. “So, the cost to build a garage would be all on the city.”
McGean said the debt service at the convention center is currently funded by food tax revenue. That tax
rate, set at half a percent, generates roughly $1.85 million a year.
However, McGean said the city would need to increase its food tax rate to 1% – the maximum rate allowed under state law – to fund a nearly $20 million project, in addition to the existing debt service at the convention center.
“That is really all we can do under the current state law, under that financing agreement, until FY38 when the existing debt service comes off the books,” he said.
McGean also noted the study shows the potential placement of the parking garage at the overflow lot, adjacent to Bradley on the Bay Condominiums. He said if the city chose that location for a parking garage, it would work with the condominium.
“It shows the garage on the south
lot hugging Bradley on the Bay. It does not need to be in that location,” he said. “That can be shifted further north so that there can be a buffer between the garage and Bradley on the Bay, if that’s ultimately the option that’s chosen. There’s no engineering or design reason that that garage has to be on the south edge of the lot and not the north edge.”
Mayor Rick Meehan said he supported the expansion of the convention center into the facility’s main parking lot. However, he said he wanted to see a parking garage placed on the overflow lot to the south.
“I do think that’s the way to go. I don’t want to box us in, build something in the middle of the lot that could halt future expansions …,” he said. “We’re running out of space, but we’re definitely running out of parking.”
Councilman Tony DeLuca said he supported a phase two parking garage, constructed at twice the width and with an additional level.
“To me, if it’s not phase two, it’s not a long-term solution,” he said.
McGean, however, noted the city’s funding constraints. In addition to a 1% cap on food tax, he said the state also set a $40 million limit on the amount of outstanding principal the city could carry at one time.
“We’ll also be pushing up against that cap with the phase one garage,” he said.
“We should plan to go back to the legislature and get that adjusted,” Meehan replied.
After further discussion, the council agreed to proceed with an economic study of a convention center expansion. Meehan said he also wanted the city manager to explore the construction of a parking garage at the convention center’s overflow lot.
“I think Larry [Noccolino, convention center director] and I would both like to see as much parking as possible. Whatever solution, phase one or phase two, we’ll make it work …” said Tourism and Business Development Director Tom Perlozzo. “Parking has become a problem, but it’s a great problem to have, because we’ve been very successful.”
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(March 14, 2025) Worcester County officials this week said liquor license violation hearings will no longer be included in video recordings of liquor board meetings.
The move relegates violation hearings back to in-person only events, according to Tom Coates, the attorney for the Worcester County Board of License Commissioners (BLC). He said liquor board regulations are being redrafted now to accommodate for this revision.
Other agenda items for BLC meetings, like requests to issue liquor licenses, would still be included in the video feed. Meetings are live-streamed before recordings become available for on-demand viewing on the county’s website.
The reason for the change is to keep the underage buyers of alcohol employed by police in compliance spot checks – who are sometime referred to as “cadets” – off camera, according to Coates.
This sudden policy shift emerged on Monday, after a county official published the agenda for the March 19 BLC meeting via email. This agenda in-
cluded a 2 p.m. violation hearing against Burn Wood Fired Pizza for sales to a minor.
However, an agenda revision distributed by email later pushed back that violation hearing to the end of the meeting, with a line break saying, “This portion of the meeting is an Open Meeting but will not be recorded and available online.”
Worcester County has been offered videos of County Commissioner meetings since November 2017. Live streaming of public meetings from its Snow Hill headquarters for other county subcommittees, like planning and zoning, had only started broadcasting last fall. BLC meetings first were broadcast on Sept. 16, according to county spokeswoman Kim Moses.
Coates also said Worcester County is one of the few counties in the state where liquor license meetings are available on video.
The Board of License Commissioners is the three-person panel that decides who gets granted a license to sell alcoholic beverages in Worcester County. The body also has punitive power, and may penalize licensees who were caught violating their license provisions – usually by police furnishing an underage decoy to buy a drink.
Police departments decide on their own when to conduct spot checks for
liquor license compliance, typically by sending an under-21 police cadet into a retailer to attempt purchasing alcohol.
The liquor board is not involved in police spot checks. The board handles the punitive element, in the form of a liquor board hearing, only after police find in a spot check that a liquor license holder has sold alcohol to a minor.
Sheriff Matt Crisafulli said his agency has a memorandum of understanding with the Worcester County Health Department to conduct spot checks for retail sales of both tobacco products and alcohol to minors.
Crisafulli this week said nobody told him that videos of BLC meetings would cease to include violation hearings. “I believe this was an independent decision” by the board, he said.
The sheriff also said his agency does not necessarily use police cadets from the academy but will seek out and hire underage proxies at $20 an hour (funded through the health department, he noted) to attempt alcohol purchases during compliance checks. Sometimes they’re high school students, sometimes they’re police recruits.
Ocean City Police spokeswoman Ashley Miller said the agency uses employees, called public safety officers, who would be under 21 when conducting compliance checks.
by Steve Green
have been a parent for more than 16 years now, and I certainly underestimated many aspects of this journey.
It’s tough work. I never thought parenting would be easy, but I am guilty of not understanding the complexities involved with raising kids. They change over time and seemingly daily in puberty.
Though I didn’t feel this way when I was living it, the early days truly are the easier times. When my boys were young – they are just 19 months apart in age – there was a tremendous amount of physical demands. Diaper changes, physical lifting each day, baths, outside runaround time and floor playing. There was a lot of defense being played to keep them safe. There was much to do, and it was taxing.
Nowadays, all those physical necessities are long gone, but the mental anguish is real. Daily challenges range from the banal to the serious and vary by child.
For Beckett, 16, the concerns seem more normal for kids his age. I know this from talking to many parents. These commiserating chats often serve as opportunities to lift each other up. I find conversations with parents of like-aged kids to be therapeutic and rewarding. There is comfort in knowing we are all swimming in the same lake confronting many of the same concerns.
With our neuro-typical child, who oftentimes is more difficult than his Autistic little brother, these challenges involve puberty, school work challenges, social relationships in and out of school, manners, intense emotional highs and lows and ADHD. He keeps us on alert every day and we have learned to accept this as life with our live-wire kid.
One of the toughest lessons I have learned recently was difficult for me to accept. I believe Pam struggles with this as well. No matter how involved and
dedicated parents are, there are instances when your kids screw up. I feel like we are in an extended phase right now with multiple situations unfolding each week.
When situations arise, Pam and I have both been guilty of blaming ourselves and questioning whether we have been too soft with our discipline or not consistent enough with expectations. On occasion, when he has felt backed into a corner, Beckett has lashed out at us with comments along those lines, shifting the culpability to us. The mental battle I seem to constantly wage internally is whether it’s normal puberty related issues or if it’s out of bounds. I know the teenager’s reluctance to go to bed at a reasonable hour and difficulty in getting out of bed are par for the course with most his age, especially boys.
However, I never expected the challenges he has with balancing life. While he prefers to be busy in life, he also complains about the juggle that’s required to be involved in many different aspects of his community. We talk a lot about balance, but I have learned over the last year part of that equation is time to do nothing, like absolutely nothing. I have accepted he needs an hour or so every night to decompress, whether it’s video games, being on his phone and sometimes ranting to us about this or that.
With Carson, 15, how to navigate his disabilities are a constant concern. Sometimes we are lulled into a sense of complacency when things are going well, but those periods are few and far between.
We often are reminded daily about his disabilities and sometimes they win. When he was in elementary school, Autism dominated him and us. Once the right blend of medicines was found, we began to stand a chance to the behavior extremes that made life difficult and seemingly impossible some day.
Carson, who is nonverbal, has always been shy and introverted. He can be socially awkward, anxious, defiant, combative and unpredictable. These traits are more obvious when he is in public and especially so in unfamiliar settings. It takes a long time to get Carson to warm up to new people.
What we have discovered is if Pam or I around he will center to us. We are his security and his comfort zone. When he’s not with us, we understand he’s a bit more extroverted and outgoing.
No matter, Carson will never be the life of the party. He prefers to be in a room by himself than in one full of people or even a few folks. The social anxiety spotlights his shortcomings requiring more of his parents.
I often find myself sad and worried about Carson. Dwelling on these feelings is unproductive. I must accept a chronic uncertainty exists when it comes to Carson. What Pam and I must constantly gauge is how far to push him and when. If we take it too easy on addressing his disabilities, like speech therapy, we are surely hurting his growth toward his best self. We also know raising the bar and forcing him to do something he doesn’t enjoy will invariably result in tumultuous behavior and negative outbursts. It could be why he only makes sounds in front of a few people.
It’s a balance of elevating expectations for him while also keeping him comfortable and settled. All the while we also try to remind ourselves to live with wellness and a certain amount of expectations for our own quality of life. I underestimated how difficult that balance would be.
(The writer is the executive editor of OC Today-Dispatch. He and his wife, Pamela, are proud parents of two boys. This weekly column examines their transition into parenthood and all that goes along with it. E-mail any thoughts to editor@mdcoastdispatch.com.)
By Bethany Hooper Associate Editor
(March 14, 2025) Transportation officials are looking to eliminate up to 14% of the city’s bus stops on Coastal Highway.
After reaching out to adjacent property owners, transportation officials say they will release a list of up to 18 stops along the Coastal Highway Beach Bus route that could be eliminated. While acknowledging the city’s transportation system has valued convenience over expedience, Transit Manager Rob Shearman said staff members are exploring ways to make the system more efficient.
“We currently have 125 bus stops on that route with an average of 756 feet between them …,” Transit Manager Rob Shearman said. “We’ve identified somewhere between 15 and 18 that we think could be pared down, that are lesser used and very close to other stops.”
The Coastal Highway Beach Bus route spans nearly 18 miles, starting at the South Division Street transit station and stopping at the 144th Street transit station. Noting that the city’s transportation department has explored the possibility of eliminating some of the 125 stops in recent years, Shearman told the Ocean City Transportation Committee this week that staff members are now moving forward with that reduction.
“Visitors want to be able to walk to Coastal Highway and not go more than one block to get to a bus stop. That’s shaped the service as it stands now,” he explained. “But we think there are a few opportunities to pare this back a little bit, especially in light of staffing concerns and everything else.”
Beginning this week, Shearman said his department will begin reaching out to property owners located near bus stops that could be eliminated. Once that input is provided, the list would be made public.
“A service change of this substantial nature – 18 out of 125 stops –would be something the MTA and FTA would require us to solicit public input for before we make that change,” he told the commission.
Shearman said the public notice period would give community members 30 days to submit written comments or request a public hearing. He added that he would update committee members as the process moves forward.
“To me, the struggle for drivers is ongoing,” City Manager Terry McGean told committee members this week. “Anything we can do to make the system more efficient, we
Former pharmacist leading transition from Route 611 site to larger operation
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(March 14, 2025) A woman in sunglasses, a big purse slung over her shoulder, resolutely approaches the entrance to the future Hi Tide cannabis dispensary. She yanks on the metal door handles – nothing. Locked tight. She steps back, looks up, and puts her hands on her hips, a little confused, a little frustrated.
The doors open from the inside as a Hi Tide employee sweetly breaks the news: sorry, but we’re not open for business, not yet.
“We have probably four or five people an hour that come here when we’re closed,” said Bob Davis, the dispensary’s owner and clinical director.
Soon, many more customers will be lining up at the door. There’s a buzz in the air here as contractors and staffers put the finishing touches on the store in preparation for its grand opening next month.
And, while Davis doesn’t have that exact date set, he said it’ll be right on time for that high holy day among
cannabis enthusiasts, April 20.
Davis has spent months overseeing the renovation of this 12,600-squarefoot former Rite Aid on Route 50 in West Ocean City, which he thinks may end up being the largest retail storefront for cannabis in the state of Maryland. It will replace his original shop located just around the corner on Route 611.
“So, that’s a really good sign,” Davis says of the drumbeat of frontdoor traffic. “If they knew of Hi Tide, they wouldn’t be stopping here, because they already know we’re open. That just tells you that this frontage, this location, is going to be an asset.”
Inside, the vibe and beachy décor are more surf shop than head shop. Davis takes a seat on a wide leather couch, part of a cozy lounge in the middle the store.
Nearby, an employee stocks glass merchandise in a jewelry display case. Another is connecting a playable Nintendo Switch to a wall-mounted TV for the arcade and pinball area. Over the loudspeaker, a musical tone and a computerized voice signal that an order is ready – a dry run for when the sprawling pick-up counter opens. And, of course, there’s the show-
See STATE’S Page 83
With Bunk Mann
The grand opening of the original Atlantic Hotel on July 4, 1875 is considered to be the founding date of the Town of Ocean City. It was built on pilings above the sand and the only way to reach it was by boat. There was no bridge from the mainland until the following year and no Boardwalk, amusements, or restaurants anywhere on the barrier island at that time.
The hotel contained 112 small bedrooms ranging in size from 8 by 17 feet to 16 by 17 feet and there was no electricity or indoor plumbing. Chamber pots and outdoor privies were the only “bathroom” accommodations available for guests.
The original Atlantic Hotel burned down of December 29, 1925 but was rebuilt and continues to rent rooms to summer visitors today.
The Town of Ocean City will be holding special events to celebrate its 150th anniversary throughout 2025.
To purchase one of Bunk Mann’s books, click over to www.vanishingoc.com. Postcard image courtesy OC Life Saving Station Museum
By Steve Green
That my teenage son is in Spain right now
That my son will be in France next week
Looking forward to March Madness upsets
Good weather for the St. Pat’s parade in OC
Different takes on Osso Buco
A talented young artist
A hotel with a heated pool
Catching up with friends over drinks
Not needing an alarm clock
A huge conch shell
Parents who keep youth sports in perspective
stopping, Las Vegas-inspired video wall, a 30-by-8 high-resolution screen that’s playing surf videos and product promotions. It’s a focal point that sets the stage for what Davis hopes will be an unforgettable customer experience.
“When people walk through the front door, I want them to be wowed,” he said. “We have a lot of people from all over the world coming through here and I want this to be something that they’ll never see again. It’s all about when somebody walks through these doors, being overwhelmed with what to see.”
So, how much does all this cost? Davis said his renovations are on budget, but he declined to say exactly how much money he has invested in the project, other than to call it “extreme.”
“We knew we were going to get into this, and we were going to do it right once,” he said. “I knew what I wanted this place to be and now that’s coming to fruition. It’s money well-spent because the community has done so much to foster our business.”
Marylanders voted to legalize recreational cannabis in 2022. Since then, medical use still accounts for about 25% of cannabis sales, according to data from the Maryland
Cannabis Administration. About a million people each month are shopping at one of the state’s 100 licensed dispensaries, according to state data going back to March 2024.
Overall, statewide sales hover around $100 million a month, according to the Maryland Cannabis Administration (MCA). It’s made cannabis a billion-dollar industry and a massive homegrown revenue generator for the state of Maryland.
The MCA is now in the early stages of issuing a new round of cannabis licenses. State lawmakers this year have considered legislation for both smoke-free cannabis consumption lounges and for cannabis events where vendors could offer singleserving products directly to consumers.
Locally, Worcester County officials last fall approved new parking requirements for cannabis dispensaries, requiring one parking spot for every 100 square feet of floor space, as well as a minimum of eight stackable spaces for drive-through service. The zoning change also separated cannabis dispensaries from retail pharmacies.
Davis, 57, has been a licensed pharmacist for more than 30 years. He opened Hi Tide as a medical-only dispensary in 2018. He said he still relies
on his pharmaceutical know-how on a daily basis when hearing from people seeking medical relief for cancer therapy, sleep deprivation, or other issues where pharmaceuticals aren’t helping.
“Most people using it recreational? They’re really using it medically,” Davis said. “They have trouble sleeping, so they smoke weed at night. You also have people with anxiety issues or PTSD. Recreational and medical, there’s a lot of overlap there. People are using it for something they’re helping themselves with, not abusing.”
While some may not agree with cannabis as medicine, Davis said if they find themselves or a loved one with a serious medical condition, it can become a viable option. Some doctors even recommend a cannabis regimen over pills, even for children, and “the stigma is very much going away,” he said.
“Most people don’t realize,” Davis added, “how many people around them that are using cannabis. It’s a lot more than you think. Aunt Jane, she’s been using it for 20 years and you didn’t know it, then all of a sudden at the Thanksgiving table she feels comfortable enough to say, well, I’ve been using this stuff. It’s funny. There’s a lot of those stories.”
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(March 14, 2025) Late last year, when the Worcester County Commissioners left a meeting item off their agenda, they were deemed to have violated the state’s Open Meetings Act.
But then, when they didn’t properly disclose that violation, it created a whole new violation.
That’s the conclusion from the state’s Open Meetings Compliance Board, who published their opinion March 5.
“We conclude the Board violated (the act) by failing to note of the agenda of its December 3, 2024, meeting that it would be announcing a prior violation of the Act,” the board wrote.
According to the Maryland Open Meetings Act, adopted in 1977, a public body must tell citizens ahead of time about any items scheduled to be discussed, by including the item on a published meeting agenda. However, if officials end up discuss something that wasn’t on the agenda, it then becomes a violation of the Act.
Violations are complaint driven. The arm of state government han-
YOUNG Page 86
Dazed and confused by everything that’s going on nationally, or even globally? This is nothing as compared to what happened here and everywhere five years ago this week with the declaration of the covid-19 pandemic.
In some respects, the public is still dealing with the fallout of that scourge — persistent inflation, for one thing, and the continuing preference of many workers to do their jobs at home if possible.
As for inflation, contributing mightily to that was the trillions of dollars the federal government spent to stave off a covid-induced recession. The Paycheck Protection Program alone gave away $800 billion to thousands of businesses, and that includes between $84 million and $147 million in forgiven loans to Worcester County employers, according to the PPP Directory.
Over the course of the pandemic, this county recorded 11,765 cases of covid-19 and 204 deaths, with the worst of it occurring in January 2022.
One reason for that spike might have been that people had become less cautious than they were in the early going, when this virus variant first appeared. Despite what critics, doubters and deniers continue to say even now, the medical community found itself in a learn-as-you-go situation as it had no knowledge of the disease, how to treat it or how to prevent it.
In the interim, we were left to wipe down groceries with alcohol-soaked pads, scrounge for surgical masks, wear gloves to pump gas, clear out whole counters of hand sanitizer and, ultimately, cause a run on toilet paper that depleted the entire nation’s supply.
So, yes, we have our current problems, uncertainties and concerns, and sometimes things don’t seem to make sense. But if we compare it to the fear and frenzy of 2020-2022, it doesn’t seem quite as serious.
I’m 99 percent a hick
Apparently, I am a 1 percent elitist, or so it has been said of people like me who live in a single-family zoning district. And I suppose it’s true: I am 1 percent elitist, and 99 percent a hick from the Eastern Shore.
My elitist tendencies, such as they are, have been kept in check by growing up in an area where one of the big highlights of this time of year was dusting off the old manure spreader and getting it ready to roll.
I mean, anyone could see the appeal of that. I was certainly up for it, even though the closest I ever got to farming was riding a broken-down draft horse named Nell, who smelled like a manure spreader and had to be 75 years old if she was a day. She was not what you’d call a spirited animal.
Even so, I was invited to attend the inaugural event and was set to go until this grand affair was called off on account of an equipment failure, the failure being that it hadn’t been made suitable for public transportation.
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By Stewart Dobson
You think I’m kidding? I am not, since a ride on the manure spreader was to be one of the highlights of an event dreamed up by a couple of local boys who lived up the road, as they say, to break the monotony of a dreary February.
The First February Jubilee was to be held on a farm outside of town, naturally, as a manure spreader would be something of a rarity in most in-town circumstances, especially since it would take up most of the driveway and its usefulness as a backup to the family wagon would be limited.
As far as I could tell at the time, the First February Jubilee consisted of two events, the first being a ride in the manure spreader, while the second would be a bunch of farmers sitting on peach baskets in the barn drinking.
Anyway, that’s life in a rural community, where boring times call for desperate measures, including one that calls for drinking on peach baskets until you think being hauled around in a doo-doo wagon is a good idea.
So, there it is, my Eastern Shore hick bona fides. The fact is, I was publicly called out as a hick in this very town some years ago, when a local gentleman, who shall not be named, told a large crowd not to worry about something I wrote.
“Don’t worry about him,” this gentleman said. “He’s just an Eastern Shore hick.”
Reportedly, another individual stood and addressed the audience, ostensibly in my defense.
“Hmmph,” he said, “I didn’t know he was from the Eastern Shore.”
A little disappointing in terms of a sharp rebuttal, I’ll admit, but even after all this time, I remain 99 percent happy with it.
We invite you to share your opinion, but all letters are subject to verification, so please include your name and phone number. All letters are subject to editing for space and to protect the author and this newspaper from legal action. Email letters to editor@oceancitytoday.net. For questions, call 410-723-6397.
By Steve Green
It’s startling initially to hear more space is needed at the Roland E. Powell Convention Center in Ocean City, but there’s no disputing the venue’s success after reviewing the expansive booking list for the facility. The potential growth and economic development opportunities should be embraced.
During a meeting this week, the city opted to move ahead with yet another economic study of the convention center to determine next steps, including where and how big the next expansion should be. The state has always partnered with the city on previous convention center expansions, but additional talk this week centered around the need for a parking garage on the site.
Public parking garages have been discussed in Ocean City for decades, but most of the talk has been downtown. The thought this week was to build a four-story garage either in front of the convention center or to the south in the overflow lot (the better choice I think). The recent study found the convention center currently has a deficiency of 261 to 560 spaces, so garages are being considered in phases to meet the demand. If a garage is ultimately decided, it would be funded solely by Ocean City as the state does not fund parking garage construction, according to City Manager Terry McGean. How much will it cost and how will it be funded? It’s estimated $20 million would be needed to add a 260-netspace garage. The financing mechanism could be increasing the dedicated food tax to 1% from the current half of a percent. ***
Maryland has rightly so earned the reputation as an anti-business state, and the proposed “business-to-business tax” under current consideration is an example. It’s what I was thinking about as I signed my tax returns this week. If this bill passes, the accounting service next year will cost more. The proposed legislation seeks to add a 2.5% sales tax (less than the typical 6%) to a range of new services such as tax prep. A $1,000 accounting bill would have a new $25 tax per the bill. The legislation had a hearing before the House Ways and Means Committee this week. As expected, generally, Republicans have rallied against the bill, while Democrats support it because it will generate an estimated $1 billion in new revenue.
Senate Majority Leader Bill Ferguson told media outlets this week the bill is under serious consideration, using some typical scare tactics to drive home the revenue concerns. “… the last thing in the world we want to do right now is raise revenues,” Ferguson told Maryland Matters. “But the alternative is consequential, and it means kicking kids off of Medicaid. It means shutting down long-term care facilities. It means reducing access to foster care.”
At least two local Republican officials weighed in against the bill during the House Ways and Means Committee hearing. Committee member and Delegate Wayne Hartman said, “I truly believe this legislation will move our state to the number one worst state in which to do business. … this bill comes at the worst possible time. Maryland has an unstable environment as our businesses never know what the rules are going to be from one year to the next, that is not the way to attract private sector investment.” County Commissioner Chip Bertino encouraged committee members to end the bill at their level with an unfavorable report. He testified, “This tax … should be viewed for what it is – a noxious infection that will eat away at the livelihoods of our many thousands of small businesses around the state and will ultimately infect customers with higher prices. Taxing services may bring the state more revenue but it will do so at the expense of businesses and in turn consumers. Is that the reality you want to create?”
This bill should be rejected, but there is growing fear it has a chance to pass. ***
In other Annapolis news, it appears the “Save Our Tips” grassroots effort has been successful. In recent years, lobbying groups have campaigned to eliminate a tip credit used in Maryland that allows restaurants to pay front of the house employees a low hourly rate offset by the gratuities servers and bartenders receive. Though the hourly rate – as low as $3.63 – is obviously far below minimum wage, the tips customers provide their servers more than offsets. According to the Restaurant Association of Maryland (RAM) the average server in the state earns about $27 an hour with tips. For at least the third year in a row, the Maryland legislature has declined efforts to do away with the tip credit in favor of standard minimum wage being offered to servers. In a statement this week, RAM reported, “Thanks to the hundreds of emails sent by tipped employees to lawmakers, and the impressive turnout of over 100 tipped employees and operators across both hearings, the bill sponsors decided to remove the language to eliminate the tip credit! The out-of-state activist group pushing to eliminate the tip credit vowed to return next year and attempt to let the voters decide. RAM will continue to lead the fight for tipped employees and help them advocate for saving the tip credit, and saving their tips!”
Editor,
I read with interest Joan Roache’s Letter to the Editor dated March 7, 2025, about the threat of health care funding cuts. I agree with her, and we must also maintain funding for health research.
From developing new treatments and vaccines to uncovering the causes of chronic diseases, research has saved countless lives and reduced suffering. Cutting research funding threatens future breakthroughs, including finding cures for diseases like
cancer and diabetes, and treatments for infections like COVID and avian flu.
Here on the Eastern Shore, cutting healthcare research will prevent our young innovators from pursuing careers at both the University of Maryland School of Medicine and the University of Maryland Eastern Shore, which use federal funds.
We must recognize the long-term benefits of health research. We must ensure that our healthcare system is well equipped to meet both our present and our future needs.
Susan Buyer Berlin
(March 14, 2025) Freeman Arts Pavilion has announced the next round of performances in its 2025 summer concert series.
The outdoor venue — a program of the Joshua M. Freeman Foundation, a fundraising arts nonprofit located in Selbyville — will present its 18th season, which will include more than 70 performances and feature a mix of dance, theatre, children’s performances and live music.
The latest group of performances announced include Christone "Kingfish" Ingram on June 20; 311 on June 21; Counting Crows: The Complete Sweets! Tour with special guest The Gaslight Anthem on July 8; Experience The Beat: Go-Go Music Mid-At-
lantic Tour, sponsored in part by the Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation on July 9; Let’s Sing Taylor — An Unofficial Live Tribute Band on July 12; Michael Franti & Spearhead on July 16; Three Dog Night on July 25; The High Kings on July 27; Super 70s Rock Show featuring Super Trans AM on Aug. 1; Lyle Lovett and his Large Band on Aug. 6; SODELO: The Southern Delaware Orchestra on Aug. 12; Clear Space Theatre Company presents “Hairspray,” on Aug. 19; Go Go Gadjet on Aug. 20; Maren Morris on Aug. 31; and Ray LaMontagne on Sept. 12. Public on-sale begins at 10 a.m. Friday, March 14 at freemanarts.org. Performances will continually be announced as shows are confirmed.
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dling complaints is the Maryland Open Meetings Compliance Board. This board, acting on a complaint, found that the Worcester County Board of Commissioners committed a violation during its Sept. 17 meeting.
The violation was for failing to include on the agenda a discussion of funds earmarked for Pocomoke City, the compliance board wrote in a Nov. 25 opinion.
When an Open Meetings Act violation occurs, it doesn’t just end with the citation. The Act then requires officials to publicly disclose that violation at their very next meeting. For the commissioners, they next met on Dec. 3.
Here’s where the second violation happened: Again, any topic of discussion, including the disclosure of an Open Meetings Act violation, still must be included as a topic of discussion on the meeting agenda. But when the commissioners made their disclosure, they did it at the wrong time.
They should have included discussion of the Open Meetings Act violation as an agenda item. That didn’t happen. Instead, Commissioners President Ted Elder mentioned it at the end of the Dec. 3 meeting, during a period typically reserved for open
comments by the commissioners.
“At the September 17, 2024 meeting, the commissioners heard an item related to the repurposing of a grant that was inadvertently not included in that meeting’s agenda…” Elder said.
“Although the item was omitted form the agenda, the materials for the item had been included in the public available packet of materials for that meeting.”
The complainant on both occasions was Chip Choquette, a county resident who also hosts his own Facebook news aggregation page that he calls the Pocomoke City Arrowhead.
When reached for comment, county officials noted that the requirement to disclose violations during the agenda portion of a meeting is not expressly contained in the Open Meeting Act statute, and that it’s the first time the issue had been raised.
“The county has always striven for compliance with all Open Meetings Act requirements,” Chief Administrative Officer Weston Young said in a statement. “Since I have joined County Administration, the commissioners have conducted over 100 public, open meetings. These two recent technical complaints are the only ones that we’ve received in that time. In short, I am proud of our Open Meetings Act record.”
No action taken yet on emergency authorization amid confusion, questions
By Brian Shane Staff Writer
(March 14, 2025) Worcester County officials are still trying to figure out how to handle a request from a neighboring jurisdiction to temporarily treat its sewage at a local wastewater treatment plant.
The City of Fruitland in February asked Pocomoke City for an emergency authorization to use its wastewater treatment plant to handle liquid sludge, a process that involves leaving treated sewage outside to dry. The reason for the request is that, at the Fruitland facility, the drying beds for handling liquid waste don’t operate well in cold weather.
Fruitland needed this arrangement temporarily and they were unable to send the sludge to Salisbury as usual.
The deal between Fruitland and Pocomoke would help Fruitland manage sludge while upgrading its facilities, according to Bob Mitchell, Worcester County’s director of environmental programs.
“They certainly don’t want to haul to Pocomoke. It’s out of their way and it’s long-distance. It’s really to help them until they upgrade their sludge drying beds to the capacity that they can operate in wet winter weather,” Mitchell told the county’s Board of Commissioners at its March 4 meeting.
Mitchell raised the issue to get a letter of “no objection” from the commissioners. Under state law, Mitchell said he must ask the county government if they have any objections before state environment officials gives Fruitland the green light to transport sludge.
He added that Fruitland already has a mutual aid agreement with Pocomoke City, and Pocomoke’s sewage treatment plan does have the capacity to handle the overage from Fruitland.
Commissioner Chip Bertino moved to approve the requested noobjection letter – but that’s when the agenda item went from boilerplate approval to lively conversation.
District 1 Commissioner Caryn Abbott, who represents Pocomoke City, raised concerns about the county’s infrastructure capacity as it relates to economic development in her dis-
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trict. She pointed out that the county had been marketing new residential development efforts, but also said she lacked clear information on capacity for wastewater infrastructure.
“We’re working a lot to bring businesses and homes to the area, and we have no clue what capacity we have, what the infrastructure’s like,” Abbott said. “I think that the county needs to have that information, especially with the money and the time we’re spending on marketing to Wallops and other places for development in the south end of the county but with no help with answers from [the town of] Pocomoke.”
Other commissioners jumped into the fray. Commissioner Eric Fiori (District 3, Sinepuxent) wanted to know how much it would cost to help out a neighboring town, and expressed concern that Fruitland’s contributions might exceed Pocomoke’s plant capacity.
“We’re already getting pushback that they don’t have capacity for these housing projects that are coming forward to recruit a lot of the growing workforce out of Wallops Island –we’re spending a lot of money on economic development to support that,” he said.
“Although I’d love to help them, I
think we have to get a full report from this particular plan as we have regulatory responsibilities of this plant.”
Commissioner Joe Mitrecic (District 7, Ocean City) said this is a decision for Pocomoke City, since the plant belongs to them. “We don’t have anything to do with it, really, other than it’s in our county. I would hate to get into micromanagement of other people’s property, that’s all,” he said.
Commissioner Jim Bunting agreed. “If we can’t interfere, why would we even do a letter? We don’t need our letter. If they can do it without our permission, let them do it,” said Bunting (District 6, Bishopville).
The discussion lasted nearly 30 minutes. Bertino (District 5, Ocean Pines) withdrew his motion to approve the request. He later proposed a new motion to gather the necessary information about wastewater treatment capacity. The commissioners in a 3-4 vote decided not to pursue that. Ultimately, the matter was not resolved during the meeting, and further discussions are expected to proceed among county staff, according to Mitchell.
However, in a separate communication, Pocomoke City Manager John Barkley clarified the agreement with Fruitland was only for emergency sit-
uations, that Pocomoke would not accept wastewater beyond its capacity, and there are no development projects that had been denied due to wastewater capacity reasons.
“The city can cancel the agreement at any time and choose to not accept the sewer from Fruitland if it is deemed that we are reaching a point where we are close to capacity,” he said in an email shared with OC Today-Dispatch. “This agreement is only for the purpose of helping our neighbor to the north with a temporary situation. The additional flow actually works to the benefit of the overall operation from a system wide standpoint.”
Pocomoke City Mayor Todd Nock also expressed frustration with Abbott’s criticism, stating that Abbott should be well aware that the city’s
plant is operating at 50% capacity. He also said the town had not turned away investors due to capacity issues.
“It is deeply disheartening that Commissioner Caryn Abbott consistently takes aim at Pocomoke at every opportunity,” Nock wrote in an email obtained by OC Today-Dispatch.
“I encourage her to attend council meetings to stay properly informed. We appreciate the county’s investment in Pocomoke’s economic development, and we will remain vigilant in monitoring activity. It would be unfortunate to see further funding losses under the watch of our ‘dedicated’ commissioner,” Nock wrote.
Ultimately, Bob Mitchell said that while the issue is still under review, it may be moot because the imminent warmer spring weather will negate Fruitland’s need to move sewage.
By Peter Ayers Wimbrow III Contributing Writer
(March 14, 2025) This week, 80 years ago, Germans were firing V-2 rockets at the Ludendorff Bridge, which spans the Rhine River, in a last-ditch effort to destroy it.
Gen. Eric Ludendorff had urged the construction of a bridge at this location during WWI. Construction began in 1916, stretching from the town of Remagen (on the western side of the Rhine River) to the village of Erpel (on the eastern side). Remagen currently has a population of 17,000, and is located 60 minutes, by car, from Cologne. The village of Erpel, on the opposite side of the river, currently has a population of 2,500.
The bridge was finished in 1919. The total length of the bridge, including the earthen access ramps at either end, was 1,300 feet. Four stone piers supported three metal spans crossing the river, with a length of 1,069 feet.
The bridge was primarily a railroad bridge with two sets of railroad tracks, but was designed so that wooden planking could be placed over one set of tracks for vehicular traffic. On the eastern side, the tracks ran into a tunnel under the Erpeler Ley Ridge, which rose some 600 feet above the river. Two machine guns on each end, placed in stone towers, guarded the bridge’s approaches. Crossing the Rhine would bring the Western Allies into the heart of the Fatherland. Therefore, all of the Rhine bridges were prepared for demolition.
In the evening of March 6, the U.S. 9th Armored Division, commanded by Major Gen. John Lenard, began approaching Remagen. As the Americans pushed toward the bridge, German soldiers were making their way across it, to the eastern side of the Rhine.
The unit, which had been detailed to defend and destroy the bridge, had its hands full. Actually, its hands were empty because it had very little with which to destroy the bridge – too few explosives and too few soldiers.
At 1 p.m. on March 7, the first American came within sight of the bridge. They were one mile distant. American armor reached the western end of the bridge at 3:15 p.m. The command was given to detonate the demolition charge.
The ensuing explosion merely created a 30-foot trench on the ramp leading to the western end of the bridge, providing cover for the GIs. As the Americans started across the bridge, they were supported by mortar and artillery fire.
At 3:30 p.m., the Germans set off another charge, but still the bridge did not come down. Despite the German effort, American engineers began rushing from girder to girder, cutting the wires to the charges, throwing them into the water. Sgt. Alexander Drabik, leading his squad, was the first American soldier to cross the Rhine river.
Second Lt. Karl Heinrich Timmermann was the 10th man and the first American officer to cross the Rhine River. So far, no Gis had been injured in the crossing.
By now, the American brass had become aware GIs had captured the Ludendorff Bridge, and began ordering additional units to Remagen to
‘sreinforce the bridgehead. The 9th and 78th Infantry Divisions, commanded by Louis A. Craig and Edwin P. Parker Jr., were ordered to Remagen. Meanwhile, the Germans were doing the same thing on a lesser scale — throwing everything at the problem. Field Marshal Walther Model, on March 8, ordered the elite Panzer Lehr Division and the 9th and 11th Panzer Divisions, commanded by Afrika Korps veteran Fritz Bayerlein, Baron Harald von Elverfeldt, and Wend von Wietersheim.
However, these panzer divisions were no longer the vaunted armored divisions that once ruled the battlefield. Together, they only counted 60 tanks and 12,000 men among them. In addition, they were so short of fuel that Gen. von Wietersheim’s 11th Panzer Division did not get moving for another three days.
By that time Hitler had learned of the loss, he exploded. He promptly fired Field Marshal Model and replaced him with Field Marshal “Smiling” Albert Kesselring.
As March 8 came to a close, 8,000 GIs had crossed the Ludendorff Bridge to the east side of the Rhine River. But German artillery was beginning to find the range, and several hits were scored on the bridge.
Concerned with the structural integrity, American combat engineers began assembling pontoon bridges and treadways, so that by March 12, there were two of each spanning the Rhine. The Ludendorff Bridge was then closed for repairs.
With an opening in the weather, the Luftwaffe entered the fray. The bridge became the target of the Luftwaffe’s new Arado Ar 234 Blitz jetpowered bomber, carrying 2,200 lb. bombs. At least 367 different German planes, unsuccessfully, tried their luck at destroying the bridge.
With the Luftwaffe’s failure, Hitler turned to the V-2 rockets. The first German rocket landed near Remagen at 9:45 a.m., on March 17. It was 46feet long and carried a 2,200-pound warhead. It was the first of 11 V-2 rockets launched against the Americans and their prize bridge.
The rocket had been fired from sites in the Netherlands, where they had been targeting the Belgian port of Antwerp. None were particularly accurate, although several GIs and German citizens were killed, and many frightened.
At 3 p.m., that day, a sharp crack could be heard, and suddenly the bridge began collapsing, throwing the heavily laden soldiers into the frigid fast rushing waters of the Rhine. Of the 200 men working on the bridge, twenty-eight did not survive, and 63 were injured.
Seconds before that sound, a 25-
DONNA MARIE LEINER
Donna Marie Leiner, age 70, passed away on March 8, 2025 after a courageous five-year battle with lymphoma.
in their frequent lunches, canning days, and love for chatting about what each grandchild was accomplishing.
making those around her feel seen.
She is survived by her husband, Mark Leiner; five children, Whitney Rothschild (husband Phil Rothschild), Alison Leiner, Chelsea Rafinski (husband Bartosz Rafinski), Jake Leiner (fiancée Rachel Harris) and,Melanie Leiner; and six beloved grandchildren, Ben (14), Evelyn (12), Nora (10), Charlie (9), Will (7), and Henry (3). Her seventh grandchild, Gabriel, is due to arrive any day.
Donna was born in Randallstown on June 7, 1954 to Joan and Leo Wenker. Raised by her mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, she knew love and strength from generations of strong women. She shared a special bond with her siblings, Wendy and Phil and sisterin-law, Chris. This bond was evident
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year-old combat engineer, Sgt. Warren E. Spahn, a member of the 276th Engineer Combat Battalion, stepped off the bridge. He was enshrined in baseball’s Hall of Fame in 1973, and with 363 victories, is the winningest left-handed pitcher in history.
By the time the Ludendorff Bridge collapsed, 25,000 men and thousands of vehicles had crossed it and the two temporary bridges. Top American Gen. George C. Marshall commented, “The bridgehead provided a serious threat to the heart of Germany, a diversion of incalculable value. It became a springboard for the final offensive to come.” Reichs-
During childhood, Donna cherished family vacations at the beach. She graduated from Salisbury University and worked at The Bonfire Restaurant where she met and fell in love with her husband, Mark Leiner. The walls of the Bonfire hold countless memories that impacted Donna’s life. There, she worked as a waitress, married, made life-long friendships, and worked hard to ensure it was a well-run business. She cared about each employee as if they were her own child.
Donna and Mark married in October 1984. They raised five children and built a life filled with love, adventure, and devotion to their family and friends. Their home was always open to loved ones and was full of energy, laughter, and endless memories.
Donna enjoyed staying active. She loved to play tennis, read, volunteer at her church’s thrift store, and cook and bake for her loved ones. She was a genuine loyal friend, with a gift for
marshal Hermann Göring said that the capture of the bridge, “...made a long defense impossible,” while Field Marshal Kesselring said that, “It broke the front along the Rhine.”
The story is told in the 1969 movie “The Bridge at Remagen,” starring George Segal, Robert Vaughn, Bo Hopkins, and Ben Gazzara.
Next week: Siege of Breslau
Mr. Wimbrow writes from Ocean City, Maryland, where he practices law representing those persons accused of criminal and traffic offenses, and those persons who have suffered a personal injury through no fault of their own. He can be contacted at: wimbrowlaw@gmail.com.
Above all, being a mother was Donna’s greatest source of pride. She devoted herself unconditionally to her family, ensuring that each of her children were supported and encouraged to pursue their interests. She never missed a game, horse show, dance recital, or call for advice.
Donna’s grandchildren were the light of her life and brought her immeasurable pride and joy. Games of basketball, evening swims in the pool and cookouts, cheers from the sidelines, vacations, and ice cream dates were treasured not only by Donna and Mark, but also by their grandchildren. They were given these experiences by someone who wanted to know them and share in their lives. To them, she was their “Baba,” always present with open arms and an even bigger heart.
Throughout her courageous battle with lymphoma, Donna leaned on Melanie, her rock and devoted caregiver. Donna never lost her will to fight, her faith in God’s love for her, or her ability to see the best in people.
Donna’s memory will shine on every beach day, Sunday dinner, Christmas morning, and snuggle with her dog, Pink. Her passing is an immeasurable loss — she was the pillar of her family, and her love will continue to shine through those who were lucky enough to know her. May her memory be eternal.
A service will be held at Atlantic United Methodist Church, 105 4th St. Ocean City, Md. 21842, on Friday, March 14 at 1 p.m. Visitation will be offered from noon-1 p.m.
Berlin
Richard G. “Rick” Jones, age 62, of Berlin, died Monday, March 3, 2025 at Macky & Pam Stansell House in Ocean Pines. He was born in Salisbury and was the son of the late Richard Jones and Peggy W. (Wainwright) Jones.
He was a farmer most of his life and had worked for the Worcester County Public Roads for a long time. He was a member of Sons of the American Legion and a former mem-
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ber of the Berlin Vol Fire Co. Rick loved horses, motorcycles, hunting, tractors, fishing, spending time in the outdoors and farming with his family.
Rick is survived by his daughter, Kaitlyn J. Osowiecki and husband Ryan of Berlin, MD; two sons, Chris McDonald and wife Megan of Canton, GA and Travis McDonald and wife Jessica of UT; five grandchildren, Alyvia McDonald, Collin McDonald, Grayson McDonald, Arlee McDonald and Hanna McDonald. He is also survived by many cousins.
A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. on Saturday March 15, 2025 at Buckingham Presbyterian Church, 20 S. Main Street in Berlin.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Berlin Vol. Fire Co., C/O Taylor Bank, P.O. Box 5, Berlin, Md. 21811.
Condolences may be sent by visiting www.bishophastingsfh.com
DAVID BRYAN CROUSE
Ocean City
David Bryan Crouse of Ocean City passed away peacefully with his brother and sister in-law by his side on Feb. 26, 2025.
David was born in Baltimore. He was the loving husband of the past
Lorraine M. Crouse. David is survived by his father, James Everett Crouse; his brother Paul Crouse (Janet); sister in law Mary; and his four nieces, Anne Marie Crouse, Michele Corso (Ryan), Jennifer and Jessica Bohn. He is also survived by Lorraine’s daughters, Sharon, Karen and Nicole and their families.
ering to celebrate David’s life will be planned at a future date.
HAROLD EDWARD TEWELL
Ocean Pines
David took pleasure being out with his friends talking and enjoying a beverage. He enjoyed fishing and boating. Known by many as “Capn’ Dave” he participated in many fishing tournaments including the White Marlin Open. He was an avid Maryland sports fan. He followed The Ravens, Orioles and UMD football. He also enjoyed many styles of music and played guitar. Growing up he had a passion for muscle cars and motorcycles and was a collector of assorted vehicles. David was a graduate of Overlea High School, Baltimore.
David is predeceased by his wife, Lorraine Crouse; his mother, Eleanora K. Crouse; and his brother Michael S. Crouse. He will be missed by his family and many friends in Ocean City and beyond.
Cremation followed his death. Honoring David’s wishes, no formal services are planned. A private gath-
Copy Central of Ocean Pines is honoring Gina Maria Barnes
memory this month raising awareness for colon cancer screenings, collec ng change and raising funds to donate to the comfort fund.
ARE ASKING FOR YOUR HELP IN OUR FUNDRAISING EFFORTS
Owners of Copy Central, Linda and Michael Dearing lost their daughter Gina to colon cancer in 2014. Gina Barnes was just 37 years old when she was diagnosed with colon cancer. A wife and mother of three children she was too busy to make me for herself even when she no ced there was a problem. There is the misconcep on that colon cancer is thought of as an older person’s disease. It can a ack anyone under 50 years of age. Gina fought her ba le with courage and poise while serving as a role model for others figh ng their own ba le. Gina’s Comfort Fund was created in her honor to provide comfort and resources to individuals figh ng the ba le. Every day individuals fight cancer. Many of whom have families, jobs and life responsibili es regardless of how the disease and treatments are making them feel physically and emo onally. The fund helps to alleviate some of the stress and financial barriers to those brave individuals ba ling Colon Cancer. Stop in to Copy Central Monday Friday 9 to 5 if you would like to contribute. You will be entered into a drawing for a 16 x 20 full color giclee print donated by a local ar st with a $5 dona on.
Harold Edward Tewell, 85 years old, of Ocean Pines, passed away peacefully at Coastal Hospice on the Lake, Salisbury on March 6, 2025.
Eddie, as he was known to everyone was born in Washington, D.C. on Aug. 28, 1939 to Evelyn A. Pike and Emmert R. Tewell. Eddie graduated from Eastern High School, NE, Washington, DC in 1957. He married Rita Fitzgerald on November 29, 1958 at St. Dominic’s Catholic Church. They cherished an amazing sixty-six years together and raised five children, Harold, Jr., Thomas, Lynn, Lora and Gregory.
Eddie started his career right out of school for Western Electric. He became an insulator in 1959 and worked for 35 years at various companies associated with the Asbestos Workers Local 24 Union. During visits to the district, he would always say “I build this or I built that.” He served as foreman for many large jobs and even served as the Recording Secretary of the Union for several years. For those who knew him and were as-
tonished with his spelling skills, were all interested in seeing the notes he took from union meetings. He was an accomplished horse-shoe player and took home many awards.
Eddie, Rita and their kids were avid campers and went camping almost every weekend during the summer months when the kids were young. They began with tents and sleeping bags and eventually graduated to a pop-up camper. The camping trips were some of the fondest family memories.
Eddie enjoyed woodworking and made each great-grandchild their own personalized rocker, after he made Joseph the “original” rocker. They moved to The Parke at Ocean Pines in 2001 where they made many lifelong friends. Eddie was one of the original residents assigned to create the by-laws of The Parke. They enjoyed traveling domestically and traveled internationally to Ireland, Germany, Italy, Panama and Canada. They were also avid cruisers, both domestically and internationally.
Eddie attended mass regularly with the family and in early Spring 2012 decided to convert to Catholicism by attending Right of Christian Initiation for Adults classes and was converted on April 7, 2012. Eddie could always be counted on and available for any card game with his favorite being pinochle. He also
looked forward to Bingo at the Knights of Columbus and the Ocean City Senior Center. He was referred to as The Parke “tool” man because he was known to own and lend what he had to neighbors.
He was preceded in death by his parents Evelyn and Emmert Tewell, his grandson Brian Tewell and his son-in-law Ronald Henrion.
Eddie is survived by his wife of 66 years, Rita Tewell; their three sons Harold, Jr. (Susan), Thomas, and Gregory (Marlene); two daughters Lynn Henrion and Lora Savoy (Kevin); 13 grandchildren Jason Tewell, Monica Halloran, Chad Tewell, Angela Reid, Jennifer Brown, Jordan Tewell, Thomas Tewell, Jr., Megan Rodgers, Travis Tewell, Kristi Tewell, Alison Howard, Katrina Spriggs and Joseph Tewell; 16 great grandchildren; one brother Emmert Tewell. Jr. (Claudia); and two sisters Janice Owens (Albert) and Joyce Tewell, and a host of other nieces, nephews and relatives as well as loving friends and wonderful neighbors.
In lieu of flowers, the family is requesting that donations be sent to Coastal Hospice, 1113 Healthway Drive, Salisbury, Maryland 21804, or online at coastalhospice.org.
MARION FREIDA KLEIN-LONGBERG
Berlin Marion Freida Klein-Longberg, age 88, passed away on Thursday, March 6, 2025. Born in The Bronx in New York City, N.Y., to the late Louis Shilan and Lee Smith Shilan.
Moving to Berlin in the late 80’s, Marion became an active secretary for Moore, Warfield, & Glick. She joined Temple Bat Yam where she met many friends throughout her multiple terms as President of Sisterhood, as well as meeting her second husband, Sy Longberg. The brightest spots in her days were her grandchildren. She adored them and was always elated when they made art projects for her to coo over.
Marion is survived by her daughters, Laurie Heller, Ellen Meyers (Barry Cohn), and Eva Klein. Also surviving are her grandchildren, Matthew Heller (Amanda Heller), Harry Heller, Danial Klein, Samantha Meyers, Joseph Meyers. Additionally, she is survived by her great-
grandchildren, Evelyn, Liam, and Brooks.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her first husband, Walter Klein, her second husband, Sy Longberg, and her son, Jonathan Klein.
A funeral service was held on Tuesday, March 11, 2025, at Temple Bat Yam in Berlin and was officiated by Rabbi Author Rutberg. Internment immediately ensued at Beth Isreal Cemetery in Salisbury, MD and shiva followed.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Town Cats and Temple Bat Yam. Letters of condolence can be sent to the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com. Arrangements were care for by The Burbage Funeral Home, Berlin.
JOSEPH PATRICK WELSH
Salisbury
Joseph Patrick Welsh age 91, of Salisbury, passed away peacefully on Friday, February 28, 2025. Born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on March 6, 1933 he was the son of the late Perry Joseph Welsh and Margaret (Dougherty) Welsh. He was the loving husband of Dorothy Welsh.
In addition to his wife Joe is survived by his children, Elizabeth Welsh Poling (Dan), Joseph Welsh, Jr., Lyn Welsh Hublein, Bill Welsh and wife Patty; step-children Chip Bulgin (Jill), Chan Bulgin (Sandi),
Andy Bulgin (Kristi), and Josh Bulgin (Patti); and sisters Mary Ann Meyer, Margaret Welsh, Theresa Noraka. Joe is also survived by his 14 grandchildren, Paige, Kaitlin, Erin, Lexi, Christiana, Keira, Garrett, Carson, Shannon, Fisher, Jake, Alex, Henry and Finn. He was preceded in death by his brother, Frank Welsh, and sister, Kathleen Kelly.
Joe marched with other newsboys in FDR’s fourth inauguration parade, was one of the five Men of the Year in his senior class in high school, had his own truck as a Good Humor Man in college, and graduated from Villanova University in 1955 with a degree in Civil Engineering. The last 20 years of his career were spent in Odenton, Maryland, as a vice-president at Hayward Baker, Inc., a Ground Improvement Company, where he worked on 2400 projects throughout the U.S. and overseas, wrote more than 60 technical articles, presented more than 25 short courses and 160 lectures to engineers, construction firms, technical societies, and students, and coauthored the first book about synthetic fabrics.
From 1987-1993, he served on the Executive Committee of the Geotechnical Engineering Division of the
American Society of Civil Engineers, with one year as chairman. He received the Villanova University Alumni Award for Professional Achievement, was named a Grouting GREAT, a grouting engineer dedicated to Research, Education, Advancement of Technology, and Service, and received the prestigious Wallace Baker Award, as a specialist in underground and foundation work, having been involved in such projects as the Washington Metro, the Baltimore subway, the Big Dig in Boston, the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, and the Tarpela Dam in Pakistan. The Opal Award, an outstanding Civil Engineering Achievement award for his accomplishments in construction and Civil Engineering followed.
In spite of all these professional achievements, being with his close friends and family, particularly his wife children, and grandchildren, traveling, playing bridge and golf were where he was happiest. His kindness, sense of humor, upbeat personality and strength of character were so special to all who knew him. Cremation followed Joe’s passing. A celebration of life will be announced at a later date. Arrangements are in the care of The Burbage Funeral Home in Berlin, Maryland. Condolences may be shared with the family via www.burbagefuneralhome.com.
$1,595.
By Bruce C. Walls
Contributing Writer
(March 14, 2025) From the opening whistle last Thursday night, Stephen Decatur’s boys basketball team was overmatched on its home court.
In the third round of the MPSSAA Class 3A boys championship tourney, Decatur lost to South River, 57-45, after defeating Arundel two days before by four points. South River’s sea-
son ended two days later, losing to Milford Mill Academy, 71-63, in quarterfinals.
Though the Seahawks battled all the way through, South River dominated Decatur throughout, gaining a 20-8 advantage after the first quarter. At halftime, Decatur was down 32-18.
After the half, Decatur came out firing but was still unable to cut into the lead, as South River outscored Decatur 20-17 in the frame. In the fourth,
Decatur outscored South River, 10-5, but it was all too late as both benches were emptied allowing the reserves to play in the final minute.
For Decatur, it was a memorable season but disappointing end. The team finished 24-4 including an 18-0 record in the Bayside South.
Coach BJ Johnson remarked on the tough loss to South River after the playoff loss, putting the blame on the team’s offense going cold.
“Just one of those games at the wrong time, we weren’t just able to score the ball,” Johnson said. “Our team was really good and I think they just took so much out of us defensively, chasing them because their offense was so good, that it took our legs out for our offense making us chase their offense.
“They are a great team. I mean, they’re good, so we just lost to a good team.”
By Bruce C. Walls Contributing Writer
(March 14, 2025) Stephen Decatur Senior Davin Chandler completed a rare feat this week – winning Bayside South Player of the year and Defensive Player of the Year honors.
Additionally, Decatur Head Coach Bryon Johnson was named the Bayside South Coach of the Year.
Chandler was named to the First Team All-Bayside South team as well. Also named to the first team were Maurice Brown (Parkside), Demar Brunson (Snow Hill), Darrion Collins (Mardela), Javon Comegys (Parkside) and Zakai Smullen (James M. Bennett).
Seahawk Senior Noah Tucker represented his school on the Second
Team All-Bayside South. The Salisbury School transfer was joined by Tyson Hayward (Wicomico) Martino Jackson (Crisfield), Keandre Nixon (Snow Hil) and Elijah Thomas (Washington).
Decatur had four players named to the Honorable Mention recognition –Judah Carmack, Caleb Loring, Jonathan Purnell and David
Solomon. Joining the Seahawk standouts were Michael Ames (Pocomoke), Jayden Colon (James M. Bennett), Lamarquis Douglas (Pocomoke), Zyair Johnson (Mardela), Kenneth Jones (Crisfield), Ta’Jon Kenny (Crisfield), Kam Lucas (Snow Hill), Jamir Roberts (Pocomoke), Joziah Sherwood (Mardela) and Zymiere Walker (Pocomoke).
The Stephen Decatur boys and girls wrestling teams, pictured above, competed last weekend in the state championship meet. The girls team finished as state runner up, while the boys team came in fourth place in the 1A/2A division. For the girls team, Chaniah Bernier won the state championship match for her division. Finishing in second place in their respective weight classes were Rachel Plata and A.J. Johnson. Amari Purnell finished in fourth place and AJ Johnson finished in second place. For the boys, Elijah Collick, pictured at right center on the medal stand, took home first place in his division, making him three-time state champion. Taking home second-place recognitions were Juan Hinojosa and Nate McDaniel. Amarian Manuel finished in fourth place for his weight class.
By Dave Dalkiewicz Contributing Writer
(March 14, 2025) St. Patrick’s Day falls on March 17 as it does every year. No matter what weekend it’s celebrated on, St. Patrick’s Day, more or less, seems to be the start of a “shoulder season” in this area.
Whether you’re Irish or otherwise, everyone can be Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, even a surfer.
There’s no doubt that it brings a lot of people to Ocean City and the sur-
rounding towns who are ready and willing to have a good time and shed the recent cold winter. With any luck the weather will be favorable despite the continued cold water.
With normal, average air temperatures currently ranging from the mid30’s as a low to the mid-50’s as a high a sunny mild weekend is a hopeful possibility. Local businesses would wel-
come it as well.
What does this have to do with surfing and surfers? Well maybe not a lot, but a few issues ago we discussed the idea of surfers being different than other people. The article/column ended with the notion of surfers being unique.
On the other hand, they can also be quite ordinary and enjoy St. Patrick’s Day just like anyone else. Maybe, just maybe, a nice swell will show up with favorable winds around St. Patrick’s
Day that could be remembered into the future.
A surfer or surfers could go for a good session and then have a meal of Irish stew or corned beef and cabbage with a green beer. Even if that swell doesn’t show up some celebratory activity could be had. Maybe a little devotion to the Good Lord and St. Patrick is in order. Erin go Bragh. – Dave Dalkiewicz is the owner of Ocean Atlantic Surf Shop in Ocean City
